IBM Big Blue Blast Tokyo Gas Creators En Route To Semi-Final

IBM became the first team to advance to the Pearl Bowl semi-finals after dismantling Tokyo Gas 52-3. Big Blue scored on all eight of their possessions and only failed on one third down attempt all day. IBM enters the semifinals with a stellar offence that has punted just once in two full games and has yet to turn the ball over. Kevin Craft and Yuki Masamoto shared snaps under center for Big Blue, and each man found success throwing the ball. Masamoto had a 77% completion rate and a score to go along with Craft’s 145 yards and two touchdowns through the air on eight throws. The run game - a four-man committee - went for 172 yards bringing the total offense to an eye-popping 479 yards. 

 Tokyo Gas started the game with promise and found some early success running the ball up the gut on their first drive. IBM’s Kevin Coghlan though halted the Creators’ progress with an excellent stop on third and one forcing Tokyo Gas to kick a field goal for the early lead. The rest of the game didn’t go well for the Creators as field position and IBM’s offense proved to be to too much of a challenge. IBM feasted on the offense when it became one-dimensional to the tune of three sacks and three interceptions. Big Blue looked impressive, but will have their hands full in the semi-finals as they face the red hot Nojima Rise.  

 Russel Wilson-esque Play of the Day: IBM QB Kevin Craft took a third and 10 snap from the middle of the field and was immediately under pressure by two Creators defenders. Retreating and swerving, Craft avoided four would-be sacks and held the ball for over five seconds to deliver a 30 yard completion for the first down. On the very next play he punished Tokyo Gas with a beautifully delivered corner end zone strike from 22 yards out.

- C.J. Ryan: May 20th 2017

IBM Big Blue (52) - (3) Tokyo Gas Creators

Photos: John Gunning - May 20th 2017: Fujitsu Stadium