Bulldogs fall in Double Overtime Contest

Box Score

Baton Rouge, LA – The first half started eerily similar to last week's finding the Bulldogs down by two scores. Realizing this A&M turned things around quickly with a Lawrence Barnett interception, his third of the season, which led to a one yard touchdown by Barrington Scott.

Another interception by AAMU's Tremaine Shepard, his second of the year, led to a Cesar Ramon 32 yard field goal to pull the Maroon & White within four 14-10 at half-time. All 10 points came off of Southern turnovers.

Head coach Anthony Jones realizing the SU offense is ranked first in the conference held the ball for 17:21 during the first half keeping the potent offense off the field.

The second half started with a Wells pick but the number one defense in the conference stood tall with Tremaine Lewis grabbing his second interception of the game. A&M had to punt the ball away which gave the Jaguars another shot at extending their lead. But on a fourth and 13 Germaine Calmes and Diondre Lewis sacked SU quarterback Dray Joseph ending the Jaguars drive.

With the game going back and forth it would eventually be halted due to a lighting delay. After an hour and forty minutes the teams returned to the field to resume play.

A&M was staring at a third and one from the SU 26 yard line. On fourth down starting quarterback Brandon Wells found tight end Toriono Upshaw for a five yard pass and catch that led to a touchdown by the same pair that put A&M ahead 17-14.

The ensuing kickoff saw Southern's Willie Quinn run the ball back 39 yards giving SU 49 yards to tie or win the game. After four plays that put the Jags on the A&M five yard line. Joseph threw the ball away and was remained in the tackle box with no receiver in the area. After a minute discussion by the officials grounding was called which required a 10 second run off and with seven seconds remaining in regulation the game was deemed over. The officials then ran into their locker room as the Bulldogs crossed the field to shake hands and celebrate a much needed victory. With both teams on the field the officials then returned to the field and explained that since Southern had a time-out remaining they could use it instead of allowing the run-off. SU's kicker Matthew Hill would eventually kick a 37 yard game tying field goal to force overtime.

In the first overtime SU faced a fourth and long and attempted a 43 yard field goal but was blocked by Theron Rice. On the third play of AAMU's first offensive possession Barrington Scott was tackled and rolled over on his back which then allowed the ball to become dislodged. The officials called the play dead, met for two minutes then ruled the transfer fumbled ending the Bulldogs offensive possession in the first overtime.

The start of the second overtime saw A&M on offense and after three plays saw Cesar Ramon miss a 37 yard field goal to the right. SU then took over and after three plays saw Hill hit his second 37 yard field goal for the upsetting victory over Alabama A&M.

"We had our opportunities but we let some things get away," Jones said. "The players played a great game but unfortunately it didn't go our way. I did not agree with everything that happened."

On Brandon Wells. "He played well he gave us a lot of opportunities to win the game."

On the end of the game play. "SU QB Dray Joseph was called for a grounding penalty with seven seconds remaining. By rule there is a 10 second run off but the Jaguars had a timeout and used it instead of the run off. They then tied the game with a field goal.

On Cesar Ramon performance. "Cesar did some really good things tonight. He still needs to improve on some areas but played well for us this evening."

Wells finished 13 of 27 for 129 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Brandon Eldemire finished with 89 yards on 15 carries while Scott totaled 87 yards on 26 touches.

Wide receiver Montaurius Smith led both teams with seven receptions for 82 yards. Ramon connected on his first field goal of the year a 32 yarder and totaled 242 yards on four kickoffs.

Southern's Joseph went 16 of 36 with four picks and a touchdown. His favorite target Lee Doss caught six passes for 106 yards.

The loss drops A&M to 2-5 on the year and 2-3 in the Eastern Division. Their next opportunity to capture a victory will be in the 72^nd annual Magic City Classic in two weeks.

Print Friendly Version