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Gustafson's blocked kick save Rams in season opener, 31-30
ST. PAUL , Minn. — Senior linebacker Chris Gustafson ( Lakewood, Colo./Bear Creek) blocked an extra point attempt with 51 seconds remaining to lift Cornell to a wild 31-30 victory over Northwestern Saturday at Reynolds Field.
Gustafson’s late heroics helped the Rams (1-0) extend their winning streak in season openers to eight games. Cornell also snapped an eight-game losing skid. It was the Rams’ first win since a 32-31 decision at Alma ( Mich.) Sept. 9, 2006.
The Rams took a 31-21 lead after Adam Culberson ( Montevallo, Ala./School of Math and Science) knocked in a 27-yard field goal with 1 minute, 40 seconds left in the third quarter. Northwestern (0-1) charged back with a field goal and touchdown in the final six minutes of the game. But Gustafson came through with the game-saving block of Cody Crum’s kick, his second extra-point block of the game. Gustafson finished a workman-like day with a game-high 13 tackles (2.5 for losses), one sack and one forced fumble.
Cornell was 4-for-4 in red zone scoring chances and erupted for 21 second-quarter points to take a 21-14 lead at halftime. Jesse Struble ( Colorado Springs, Colo./Wasson) hauled in a 44-yard touchdown reception from Anthony Kobler ( Brentwood, Mo./ Brentwood) that tied the score at 6-6 early in the second quarter. Travion Hardman ( Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park River Forest) followed four minutes later with a 15-yard scoring run and Mike Thompson (Eaton, Colo./Windsor) rushed for a 2-yard score with 55 seconds left in the first half.
The Rams opened the second half with a six-play, 65-yard scoring drive, capped by Kobler’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Alex Macey ( Oceanside, Calif./ Vista) which put the guests ahead 28-14.
Kobler finished his day 11-of-20 passing for 187 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Kyle Tierney (Cedar Rapids/Jefferson) led the receiving corps with 59 yards on two catches. Travion Hardman led all rushers with 97 yards on just 12 carries (8.1 ypc).
Defensive back Jared Sanches ( Lake in the Hills, Ill./Huntley) had nine tackles for the Rams. Adam Williams ( Oakdale, Minn./North St. Paul), Jason Williams (Mount Vernon/Mount Vernon) and Zach Zasada ( Sauk City, Wis./Sauk Prairie) each registered a sack. Don Bladt (Shelby/AHST) had an interception.
Cornell outgained the Eagles in total yards, 392-372. The Rams had 205 yards on the ground.
The Rams play host to Alma in their final nonconference game at 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at Ash Park Stadium.
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