DSU capitalizes on fumble for comeback win

DOVER, DE -- Delaware State was handed the gift of life as a driving rainstorm pounded Alumni Stadium in the closing minutes of the Hornets' home opener against Shaw University on Saturday night.

With 49 seconds remaining, the Bears handed the football to James Langford, who was hit immediately by DSU defensive lineman Olusegun Ayanbiola, who forced a fumble and recovered it at Shaw's 12-yard line.

Two plays later, with the rain still dripping in his eyes, Delaware State quarterback Nick Elko launched a 12-yard pass to Darius Jackson, who caught it for the game-winning touchdown in the right-corner of the end zone as the Hornets capped an improbable 31-27 comeback victory over Shaw in a nonconference game.

"I was very surprised," DSU middle linebacker Brandon Harvey said. "I actually asked the ref, 'Are they going to down the football?' And he said, 'No.' I said, 'OK, we're going to cause a turnover.'"

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Shaw Suffers Fourth-Quarter Collapse - Loses to DSU 31-27

Shaw played three strong quarters against Division I Delaware State on Saturday, but allowed the Hornets to swarm in the fourth - giving up 22 last period points, including a last-minute touchdown that sent the Bears home with a 31-27 loss.

With the loss, the Bears drop to 0-2 while the Hornets improve to 2-0 on the season.

With 1:01 left on the clock, DSU lined up for a field goal that would have tied the game at 27. In a driving rain and into a strong wind, Mitchell Ward's attempt went wide right and the Bears got the ball at their own 20.

After a loss of five on a delay of game penalty, James Langford got the handoff, but Quentin Ferguson forced a fumble, giving the Hornets the ball 13 yards from the end zone. Two plays later, Nick Elko covered that ground with a 13-yard strike to Darius Jackson - giving the Hornets the win.

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