The San Francisco 49ers extended their lead to 20-3 with a little more than nine minutes left in the fourth quarter on Monday night. The scoring chance was set up by an Aldon Smith sack and forced fumble of Ben Roethlisberger. Smith grabbed Big Ben by the waist and was driving him to the ground as the ball was knocked loose. Justin Smith recovered the fumble at the Pittsburgh 17 yard line.
Video of the sack below:
It appeared San Francisco's red zone struggles would persist and that the Steeler defense forced a David Akers 28 yard field goal. It looked as if the field goal extended the Niners lead to 16-3, but a questionable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was called on Lawrence Timmons to give San Francisco new life with first and goal. Timmons was whistled for using a defender to try and jump over the line on the field goal attempt.
Two plays later, on second and goal from the five yard line, Frank Gore would bounce off tackle left and bolt into the end zone for the 20-3 San Francisco lead.
Video of Gore's touchdown run below:
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