On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Govs did battle with the Football Bowl Subdivision ranked 18th UCF Golden Knights. The Knights took the victory 73-33 but the Govs proved that they will not back down from any opponent, no matter how colossal.
The Govs showed off their explosive offense scoring more points against the UCF defense than any other opponent has this season.
Senior Kyran Moore had a career day, going for two touchdowns and 363 all-purpose yards.
Jeremiah Oatsvall threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns in only his second start.
UCF struck first but APSU followed right back with a score of their own. The team had to find the end zone twice, however, as a penalty erased APSU’s first touchdown. Ahmaad Tanner punched the ball into the end zone after, tying the game at 7 early.
UCF appeared to steal back momentum by jumping out a 21 to 7 lead but the Govs found the end zone once again. A goal line fumble by APSU ensure offensive lineman Ryan Rockenseuss a touchdown. However, APSU’s point after was blocked.
The Knights took a 38 to 20 lead later but the Govs kept coming back trimming the lead to 38 to 26 as Kyran Moore returned a kickoff for 91 yards and a scor e. The Govs went for a two-point conversion but failed to find the end zone again.
UCF lead 45 to 26 at halftime.
In the third quarter Jeremiah Oatsvall found Moore for a thirty five yard touchdown strike. The Govs were able to trim the lead down to 52 to 33 but it was the last time they scored as the Knights controlled the rest of the game scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
The Govs pushed the ball down field well against one of the best teams in college football. The team also did this without Kentel Williams who left early in the game.
APSU amassed 352 yards of offense, 209 through the air and 143 on the ground.
It was a rough outcome for the Govs, but this game showed the potential of this young team.
APSU travels to Cookeville to face off against Tennessee Tech on Saturday, Nov. 4 in a Sgt. York battle. TTU enters the clash 1-0 in Sgt. York play.
