Offensive Miscues Lead to First Loss for 'Roo Football

SHERMAN, Texas – The Austin College football team threw five interceptions and managed just 55 yards on the ground after a pair of fumbles resulted in two big losses, and the 'Roos were unable to come from behind in a 29-17 defeat at the hands of the visiting Sewanee Tigers on Saturday at Jerry Apple Stadium. The 'Roos are now 2-1 overall and 0-1 in Southern Athletic Association play.

The 'Roos got off to a strong start, scoring on their second possession of the game with a nine play, 66-yard drive that was capped off by a two yard touchdown plunge from Drew Bicknell to make it 7-0 midway through the opening quarter. Sewanee would counter later in the quarter, as Colt Collins threw his first interception of the year and the Tigers then went 41 yards in three plays to get a six yard touchdown run from Warren Holland. The point after was blocked, and TJ Melontree returned it for two more points for the 'Roos to make it 9-6 after the first quarter.

The offensive struggles started to pile up for Austin College in the second quarter. Kyle Bohannon threw an interception, and then on the next possession a fumbled snap cost the 'Roos six yards and then another bad exchange had the 'Roos facing third and 29 before eventually punting. The final possession of the half saw an option pitch result in a fumble that cost the 'Roos 27 yards before time expired in the second quarter. The 'Roos finished with -30 yards rushing in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, the Tigers took the lead with 55 seconds remaining before halftime, with Alex Darras connecting with Allan Puri for a 23-yard touchdown to make it a 13-9 game heading into the break.

The Tigers added to their lead early in the third quarter, with Holland capping off a 10-play, 75 yard drive with a one yard plunge by Holland to make it 20-9 with 11:27 on the clock. Austin College got six points back in the quarter on a pair of field goals by Cesar Ruiz, first from 46 yards and then from 18 to cut it to a 20-15 game. Sewanee would tack on a field goal of their own as time expired in the third, with Michael Jacobs connecting from 27 yards to push the margin to 23-15.

That remained the score until 5:18 left in the fourth, when Holland scored for the third time, getting in from a yard out. For the second time in the game, however, Austin College blocked the PAT and this time Jackson Townsend returned it all the way for the 'Roos, making it a 29-17 game. However, that's how things would end as Austin College would throw interceptions on two of their final three possessions.

Collins finished the game completing 5-of-18 passes for 75 yards with three picks, while Bohannon went 2-for-4 for 21 yards and a pick and Trey Carr was 2-for-4 for 23 yards and an interception. Evan Powell led the 'Roos with 23 yards on five carries, and Kyle Mucerino caught four passes for 58 yards. Mason Binder and Morris Shell each had nine tackles to lead the Austin College defense.

Darras completed 15-of-23 passes for 215 yards with a touchdown and Holland finished with 92 yards on 24 carries and three scores. Puri caught three passes for 63 yards, as Sewanee out-gained Austin College 400 to 174 in the game. Pierce Johnson made 12 tackles to lead the Tigers.

Austin College heads out on the road next week as they travel to Conway, Arkansas to take on Hendrix College.