With 25 seniors being honored before the game for there services to the APSU Govs, the senior day was one that will be remembered for ages with a 24-21 come-from-behind win over the TSU Tigers, Saturday. The win marked the first win over the Tigers since 1995.
With the win the Govs improve to 4-6 overall, 3-4 in the conference, while TSU falls to 3-7 overall, 2-5 in the OVC.
“This (win) is big for the 25 seniors. They stayed here for three years after I got hired and close to 100% will graduate,” said Head Coach Rick Christophel.
“Our program, to get respect, must play hard every week. Keeping them focused will be the toughest part, but I’ve got ways to do that.”
Terrence Holt scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 71-yard scamper on a punt return.
The return was Holt’s second touchdown for the game; it was also his seventh time this season with multiple touchdowns.
With Holt scoring, Ryan White pounded the ball inside on 27 carries for 114 yards. White also became the sixth player in APSU history to break the 1000-yard mark.
“I am really excited about that,” said White. “It is the first time in my life I have gone over 1000 yards, it is a big accomplishment, but I could not ever do it without my O-line, they are the heart and soul of this team.”
With TSU opening the first quarter scoring on two passes from Calvin McNairl, the first going nine-yards to Travis James, while the second one covered 22 yards to Marquez Wilkens.
With the Govs facing a 14-0 deficient, but the Govs would used a 10 play 54 yard drive that covered 4:20 off the clock to cut the lead to 14-7.
As the second half started, the Govs miscue on the kick return, gave TSU the ball inside the APSU 30-yard line. The Tigers used three plays covering 29 yards capped of on McNairl’s seven-yard strike to Ronald Wright to extend the lead to 21-7.
From there the Govs offense went to work scoring 17 straight points, while the defense flexed there muscles holding TSU to only 102 yards of total offense in the second half.
“We talked about a lot of adjustments, but I think we made some good ones at halftime,” said Christophel. “The kids played resilient, and they did not panic.”
The Govs first score of the second half when, Holt raced 22-yards for his one of two scores, in a drive that covered six plays, 52 yards and 2:21 off the clock.
On the ensuing kickoff, TSU’s Julian Sample fumbles the kickoff, and was recovered by Antwaun Majors at the TSU 25-yardline. From there Stephen Stansell hit a 43-yard field goal to cut the lead to 21-17.
Then, holding TSU to four plays, forcing a punt, Holt did his thing and scored from 71-yards out.
The fourth quarter the Govs held TSU on a fourth and five with 1:42 left in the game to an incomplete pass to secure the drive to win it.
From there White pounded the ball for the first down where Jake Ryan lead the Govs in the victory formation to take a knee for the win.
Holt finished with 222 yards of total offense, which tallies him with 2,061 yards for the season, and is currently sitting in second place on the All-time list for APSU behind Jay Bailey who had 2,153 yards in 2002. For the second straight week Holt was selected as Conference Specialist Player of the Week.
Jake Ryan finished 8-of-22 for 101 yards, no sacks, and no interceptions.
Defensively, the Govs were lead by Amius Smith, 12 tackles, and one quarterback hurry.
Senior Daniel Becker finished with eight tackles, which put him in the top 10 all-time lists for APSU with total tackles.
“It’s been a great four years and I am so glad I made the chose to come to Austin Peay,” said Becker. “I would not take back anything that has happened the last four years.”
The Govs will finish the season on the road against the Skyhawks of Tennessee of Martin; kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. The Govs currently sit in fourth place in the conference standings, and a win Saturday would secure a fourth place finish in the OVC conference.
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