Frank Gore finally breaks through, with game-turning run

Coming into Sunday's game, 49ers running back Frank Gore was second in the NFL in touches and second in yards from scrimmage this season, and yet the 49ers ranked 30th in NFL rushing, leading to the question, "What gives?"

The Raiders gave, all in one backbreaking play.

Gore ran right, cut between two blockers and tore off a 64-yard run to vault him over the 100-yard mark and help lift the 49ers to a 17-9 victory over Oakland on Sunday at Candlestick Park.

"I'm just excited that we finally got one," Gore said.

Gore was a big-gain monster last year, with three rushes of 64-plus yards. This season, he had no gains of more than 20.

Then, with a 10-9 lead and 8:21 to play, Gore squeezed between fullback Moran Norris and pulling center David Baas and didn't stop until the Raiders' 16-yard line. One play later, after a penalty, the 49ers had a 17-9 lead.

"I think we were fine until the run," said Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who was blocked downfield by 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree. "After that run, you saw momentum completely shift."

Gore finished with 25 carries for 149 yards, both season highs. He pushed his franchise record to 22 100-yard games. He passed Ken Willard into third place in franchise history with 6,032 career rushing yards.

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(sfgate.com)