HOUSTON -- Trailing 10-7 with less than four minutes remaining, Alabama State seemed destined to lose to Texas Southern and repeat a scenario that played itself out over and over again in 2006: A great defensive effort wasted by a struggling offense.
However, Jay Peck, Rahmod Traylor and a determined offensive line pounded out two late touchdowns in a 21-10 win Saturday night.
"It was ugly," said ASU head coach Reggie Barlow, "but we'll take it. We made so many turnovers (five) that I stopped counting. Our defense kept us close and we were finally able to break through."
Neither offense was able to muster a score in the first half, with the only points being a fumble recovered for a touchdown by ASU's Leland Jones.
TSU finally got on the scoreboard when Tino Edgecombe -- who'd been benched earlier in the game -- hit Daniel Davis for a 13-yard touchdown to even the score with 1:49 to go in the third quarter.
ASU was poised to take the lead on several possessions, but turned the ball over twice in the red zone.
"We simply can't afford to give away those kind of opportunities," Barlow said. "I really thought it would come back to bite us."
ASU fumbled on three consecutive trips inside the TSU 20, including a 4th and 1 at the 1-yard line, when quarterback Chris Mitchell was unable to handle the snap. Peck also had one of the fumbles, but redeemed himself when he slammed off the left side for a 3-yard touchdown with 2:40 to go in the game. ASU led 14-10.
The Tigers were unable to get a first down on their next possession, and after a penalty, a sack and three incomplete passes, ASU got the ball back with a chance to run out the clock.
On the first play of their final drive, Traylor plowed into the end zone from 22 yards out, clinching the win.
"When we had to, we were really able to run the ball," Barlow said. "The guys just kept fighting through their mistakes and found a way to win. It definitely wasn't pretty but we'll take it."
The Hornet defense held TSU to 257 total yards and 2-16 on 3rd downs. Peck finished with 150 yards on 23 carries. Traylor added 97 yards rushing on 14 attempts.
"We lean on our defense," Barlow said. "When we aren't able to move the ball, those guys continue to step up. We have to find a way to help them out on offense."
ASU (2-0, 1-0 SWAC) will travel to the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff for another conference match up next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
No comments:
Post a Comment