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HomeNewsTurnovers costly in Govs homecoming loss to Tennessee Tech

Turnovers costly in Govs homecoming loss to Tennessee Tech

Austin Peay State University GovernorsClarksville, TN – A trio of second half turnovers proved costly in Austin Peay State University’s football team lost to Tennessee Tech, 34-21, Saturday afternoon, in Ohio Valley Conference action at Governors Stadium.

Trailing 24-14 in the third quarter, the Govs (2-3, 1-1 OVC) lost fumbles on successive possessions. The first miscue came after senior return specialist Terrence Holt had the ball the ball stripped on a kickoff return and handed Tennessee Tech the ball on the Austin Peay 26-yard line. The Golden Eagles (2-4, 1-2 OVC) needed six plays to add a field goal, pushing its advantage to 13 points, 27-14, with four minutes remaining in the quarter.

Running back Ryan White moving the ball upfield against a stiff Tennessee Tech Defense
Running back Ryan White moving the ball upfield against a stiff Tennessee Tech Defense

Austin Peay’s second turnover proved even more costly as it short-circuited a promising drive. After covering 55 yards in nine plays, senior running back Ryan White had the ball stripped at the Tennessee Tech six-yard line. The Govs defense held the Golden Eagles to minus-one yard and forced a short punt. The Govs capitalized on the short field, with Holt bursting through the line for a 28-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-21.

After Tennessee Tech scored a touchdown on its next possession, the Govs saw their final drive stopped on a pass interception by sophomore quarterback Jake Ryan.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw96Fo0wiLA[/youtube]

Wide Receiver Devin Stark running the ball up field
Wide Receiver Devin Stark running the ball up field

Austin Peay showed the rust of the two weeks since its last contest, trailing 14-0 after the first quarter. Tennessee Tech pushed the lead to 21-0 before Austin Peay scored its first touchdown – a five-yard pass from Ryan to Devin Stark with 1:03 remaining in the period and would trail 21-7 at halftime.

Ryan completed 17-of-25 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Govs who amassed 268 yards total offense. The Govs did not have a 100-yard rusher for the second consecutive game.

Tennessee Tech scores their first touchdown
Tennessee Tech scores their first touchdown

Tre Lamb led Tennessee Tech with an 11-for-17 passing performance for 162 yards. Tim Benford caught three of those passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Jocques Crawford rushed for a pair of touchdowns.

The loss spoiled Austin Peay’s homecoming and it also was the Govs first in the 2010 Sergeant York Trophy series. The Govs are 1-1 in the series among the OVC’s Tennessee teams. Tennessee Tech also is 1-1 in the York Trophy series.

Austin Peay returns to action with a 6:00pm, Saturday, OVC contest against Southeast Missouri.

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