Claw to the Top | A University of Vermont Catamounts Dynasty

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Oliver hits White open across the middle, and he scores the 52-yarder in the first.


Thompson carries a defender with him into the endzone for the touchdown in the second.


Williams makes the catch in the endzone to go up 28-10 in the third.


Cook makes the interception in the fourth after Smith was rushed.

[packersfan4eva]

Just one more win. C'mon, Hadely.

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Updated: November 18th, 2017, 7:42 ET

VERMONT WINS BIG EAST

Burlington, VT - The 11-0 #2 ranked Vermont Catamounts were declared the Big East champions
yesterday as they finished their conference schedule. Vermont didn't lose a game in the conference,
going 7-0. West Virginia was second at 5-2. Vermont had clinched last week.

Vermont went 8-5 and 11-2 in their first two years in the Big East conference, after coming in from
the Mid-American Conference.

"This was one of our goals at the beginning of the year, and thanks to the great team that we have,
we got it done." spoke Vermont coach David Motherway. "There's still a couple more things left
though before we can call this season an ultimate success."

Motherway
was of course hinting at their upcoming game against #1 Alabama on the road. A win would surely
earn them a spot in the national championship, a possibility no one had a thought of at the beginning
of the season.

"We knew they'd be pretty solid, coach Motherway has done a brilliant job with that team, they're
playing better than anyone expected." said expert Chris Watson. "It also doesn't hurt that they have
the leading Heisman candidate in their backfield."

Watson was referring to true freshman Matt Thompson, who leads the nation in rushing yards and
touchdowns at 1539 and 19, respectively.

"Thompson has obviously been huge for us, when you can handle getting the ball around 30 times a
game and five yards each time, it makes it easy for the rest of the team to do their job. We don't
care about personal accomplishments on this team, but that kid better get the Heisman." said
Motherway with a bit of a smirk.

Another huge part to
Vermont's success has been their quarterback also a freshman (redshirt), Terrance Oliver. Oliver,
although without godly yards and touchdown numbers, quietly boasts the best QB Rating and
completion percentage in the nation at a whopping 163.4 and 64%.

"He picks the right times and spots to throw the ball, he rarely puts us in a bad spot." said
Motherway.

Vermont's defense should be mentioned as well, as they are one of the highest scoring in the game,
with eight defensive touchdowns, to go along with their two special teams touchdowns, a stat that
helps them to their number one ranked scoring offense in the country.

Alabama though is right behind Vermont with the #2 ranked scoring offense in the country, to go
with their #1 ranked turnover differential, while in a considerably tougher conference.

"We know this one won't be easy, but where just gonna play smart and play hard like we have been
all season and see where it takes us."

[kyhadley]

double post

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Matt Thompson breaks a tackle, gets a block on his way 74 yards to the endzone on the first play of the game.




Thompson jukes a defender on his 27-yard touchdown catch and run, taking a 14-0 lead in the first.


Alabama's Jamal Clarke with a tough four-yard touchdown run to make it 20-17 in the second.


Thompson getting hit hard from the side, breaking three ribs, ending his season in the third


Jason Williams with the bad drop on a fourth down in the fourth quarter.


Safety John Payne makes the huge interception late in the fourth setting up...




Backup Eric Brown hitting Chuck Jones for the touchdown with a minute left in the game, taking a 37-34 lead.

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