After dropping the first two conference games of the season the Govs finally earned their first conference win during a shootout against Tennessee State. The win also puts APSU at 1-1 in the Sgt. York Trophy race.
The Govs prevailed 49-34, forcing five turnovers and accumulating nearly 450 yards of total offense.
The Govs and Tigers combined for 936 yards and 83 points during a record setting night for attendance as 12,201 fans packed the stands of Fortera Stadium.
Both teams battled for field position during the first quarter before the Govs recovered a fumble inside of the Tigers’ 20-yard line. The Govs drive yielded no points due to a blocked field goal by TSU.
APSU eventually broke onto the scoreboard first after Kentel Williams scored on a 15-yard scamper.
TSU ground out the last few minutes of the first quarter and scored Demry Croft connected with Chris Rowland from 23 yards out.
An offensive explosion poured out in the second quarter as the two teams combined for 35 points.
The Govs’ offense pushed down the field and found the end zone on Williams second rushing touchdown of the half.
Croft and the Tigers answered back after their next drive resulted in a touchdown pass to Aaron Cauthen.
The Tigers threatened again before being stuffed on fourth down. The Govs made quick work of a short field as Jeremiah Oatsvall found DJ Montgomery on a 45-yard completion that went out of bounds at the five yard line.
Ahmaad Tanner found the end zone for the first time this season on a 5-yard run.
TSU refused to let APSU gain much momentum as Croft found Rowland on the first play off the next possession for a 65-yard touchdown.
Oatsvall and APSU regained the lead on a four play 75-yard drive. Oatsvall found Baniko Harley on a one-handed 73-yard completion that went out at the one yard line. Oatsvall then carried the ball in for the score to secure the halftime lead.
The Govs exploded on offense again in the third extending their lead 42-27 entering the fourth.
Croft found Rowland once again for the duo’s third touchdown connection of the game. The Govs then extended their lead once again 49-34.
The Tigers tried to make it a closer game before Keawvis Cummings sealed the game with an interception in the end zone.
Despite giving up 34 points the defense had a good night forcing five turnovers and sacking the TSU quarterbacks four times.
On offense the Govs went for 447 total yards. Oatsvall went 7-15 for 189 yards and a touchdown pass. Oatsvall accounted for 76 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Williams and Tanner rushed for 74 yards and 51 yards respectively. Williams accounted for two touchdowns and Tanner accounted for one.
The Govs reach the .500 mark and earn their first OVC win of 2018.
The Govs return to action with a road trip to Southeast Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 13.
