Michigan turns game-sealing extra point into two-point runback (Video)

If you need a reason to believe that extra points matter, look no further than Michigan turning a game-sealing extra point into a two-point runback.

In both the NFL and college football, the blocked PAT for a two-point runback has quickly become one of the most exciting plays. It has shaped the outcomes of plenty games, and it looked like it would do so for the Orange Bowl as well.

In what became a classic bowl game, Florida State led by as many as 12 in the fourth quarter. But with Michigan’s high-powered offense, that lead quickly evaporated when they took the lead.

The Seminoles got it back on their last drive, and looked to seal the deal on the extra point. Seems like standard operating procedure, but Michigan’s special teams are not to be messed with, and here’s why:

That simple play resulted in a three-point swing, and instead of a touchdown, all Michigan had to do was get into field goal range. Unfortunately for them, Wilton Speight threw a pick to seal the deal. Many people suspected that Michigan was rushing back Wilton Speight too soon when he played against Ohio State. Throwing three picks over his last two games seemingly confirmed that.

What made Michigan such a dangerous team all year was that they were so potent in every facet of the game. Their offense was putting up 49 points a game, their defense was among one of the best in the country, and no field goal was assured against their special teams.

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In the Orange Bowl, though, it was a different story. Without Jabrill Peppers, their defense looked suspect at times. Their offense also didn’t look like themselves until the fourth quarter. But this two-point runback looked like vintage Michigan, and it seemed like they would be able to pull out the win. However, it wasn’t meant to be.