The Colonels came off the bye week wanting not only to maintain but improve. The 2-3 Colonels hosted the 4-2 Tarleton State Texans on an overcast and cool Saturday afternoon. The teams, statistically, are very even. It felt like defense was going to be the determining factor coming in. Here is how the game went down from my perspective, in the EKU vs. Tarleton State recap.
First Quarter
Tarleton St received the kickoff and marched 75 yards in 11 plays to take a quick 7-0 lead. EKU punted after seven plays on their first possession. The EKU defense contained Tarleton forcing them into a quick punt. The Colonels found the endzone with a Joshua Carter 48-yard rumble to tie the game 7-7. Tarleton answered right back with a four-play (and one long penalty) TD drive. EKU ended the First Quarter with four solid runs, putting them at first down at the 48 yard-line.
Second Quarter
QB Parker McKinney ran for 22 yards on the first play of the quarter, then EKU converted a 4th and 2, to eventually score on a two-yard run by Braedon Sloan. Tarleton again answered scoring on a 27-yard pass, following a 38-yard run. The Colonels could not answer and went three-and-out. The Colonels D stepped up when Mike Smith Jr intercepted a pass at the nine yard line. The EKU Offense held up their end with a long TD drive that included a 23-yard pass to Jalen Burbage, a 31-yard run by Parker McKinney, and capped off with the one yard Braedon Sloan run.
Third Quarter
EKU started the second half by running the ball with Braedon Sloan six times, but the passes, eight yards to Burbage, 12 yards to Hunter Brown, and 12 yards to Braedon Sloan (TD) balanced out the offense and gave EKU their first lead of the day. The Colonels D held TSU and forced a punt. This gave EKU a chance to take a two-possession lead, but the offense could not take advantage of the opportunity and had to punt. The EKU Defense was feeling it and forced another three-and-out. The Colonels ended the third up 28-21.
Fourth Quarter
The EKU offense looked like they had something going to start the fourth, but stalled out and had to punt, once again unable to extend the lead. The Texans turned to the run game and went 88 yards on five rushes to tie the game. The Colonels’ next drive stalled again, but they did get the ball in field goal range where Patrick Nations missed wide left from 48 yards. The game was still tied 28-28 with 5:35 remaining in the game. TSU marched down into the redzone. On 4th and inches, TSU was called for a false start, which brought out the FG unit, but EKU was called for a delay of game, which set it back to 4th and inches. TSU converted and ran the clock down to set up a game-winning field goal attempt from 25 yards. The kick went wide left. We get OT!
Overtime
EKU got the ball first. Braedon Sloan ran for 20 yards, followed by a five-yard TD run. Sloan’s fourth TD of the game. Tarleton then had a chance to answer. The Texans ran the ball for five yards, followed by a holding penalty. From 2nd and 15, Tarleton threw an incomplete pass. Third down brought an overthrow and a possible game ending 4th down. TSU lined up with four WRs, and hit a wide-open receiver for a 30 yard TD.
The second overtime started with a Tarleton possession. A run to the right was run down by Logan Blake for no gain. A well defended pass was broken up by CB Jordan Thomas. Third down for TSU was an EKU interception by LB Logan Blake. All the Colonels had to do was score. Parker ran for 12 yards on first down. Second down was an incomplete pass, but TSU was called for roughing the passer. First down from the six yard line, Braedon Sloan took it to the one yard line. Second down Sloan was stuffed at the line. The Colonels used a tush push to score the winning touchdown.
Final Thoughts
The Colonels did just enough to win. Braedon Sloan was amazing! The defensive schemes still frustrate me as a fan, but two interceptions were helpful. Still room to grow, but a win is a win!
Game Notes
- Joshua Carter’s 48-yard TD run was the longest run of the season.
- Mike Smith Jr’s interception in the second quarter was the third of his career
- Braedon Sloan now has four multi-rushing touchdown games. His receiving TD in the third quarter gave him his first three TD game of his career. He ended the game with four TDs
- Braedon Sloan had a career number of carries in one game with 24 attempts.
Catch Vince and EKU DT Ryan Jackson on Monday’s Sports Stove Local Hour as they recap the game. Follow Vince on Twitter for more EKU coverage. All photos used in this article were taken by members of the EKU staff.
