By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) & Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
As the calendar turns to November, we look back on the final weekend of October. There were certainly haunts and spooky close calls on the Halloween weekend, but the win column was all treats for Peak football, combining to go 12-2 in non-Peak Bowl games. All that success makes for a fun, information-full vol. 10 of the Peak Sports Weekly Recap.
A Ram-Crusader Cup for the Ages
In a top-25 battle, #5 Holy Cross edged #22 Fordham on a walk-off, two-point conversion in overtime winning 52-51. This edition of the Ram-Crusader Cup certainly lived up to the billing and gave the record attendance of 17,592 a game they will never forget. After letting an early 21-10 lead slip away, the Crusaders (8-0, 4-0) battled back to trade scores in the second half, ultimately forcing overtime on a touchdown by Co-Athlete of the Week WR Jalen Coker (see below). Fordham found the end zone on the first play of overtime, which Holy Cross once again matched to trail by just one. The decision to go for two paid off, ending the game of the week with a Crusader win. Holy Cross can officially clinch the Patriot League title next week at home against Lehigh (1-7, 1-2).
Two Win Territory
Two wins are better than one. Both Wofford and Utah Tech have reached that accomplishment this season, despite rough starts. First, Wofford (2-6, 2-3) got their second win by taking down ETSU 48-41 in a back-and-forth affair. Interim head coach Shawn Watson improved to 2-1 at the helm, and it was much in part to Co-Athlete of the Week Terriers QB Jimmy Weirick's record-breaking outing (see below). Speaking of great performances, Utah Tech QB Victor Gabalis tied a single-game record, throwing five touchdown passes in his team's narrow 47-44 win over SFA. The Trailblazers (2-6, 1-2) had just enough to better the Lumberjacks and get their first road win of the season. They will look to parlay this result into a potential third win when they take on Southern Utah at home on Saturday.
Peak Bowl Mania
Three more Peak schools tallied wins into the already successful weekend, but also meant three Peak schools suffered defeats. In a critical MEAC meeting, NC Central beat Delaware State 28-21 on the road. The Eagles (6-2, 2-1) scored when they had too, taking the lead with 58 seconds left. UTPB also needed a late-game score, prevailing 24-21 over Eastern New Mexico. The Falcons (4-5, 3-4) found themselves on the right end of another one-possession game and improved their odds of a winning record. Finally, Central Arkansas racked up over 700 yards of total offense, leaning on their run game to break away 64-29 over North Alabama. The Bears (4-4, 3-0) scored at least 10 points in all four quarters, controlling the game from the opening kickoff.
Racers Use 19-0 Run to Wrap Up First Win
Murray State finally got on track, scoring 19 unanswered points and a strong defensive performance to secure their first win of the season 19-3 over Tennessee Tech. With the Racers' offense sputtering early, they implemented and leaned on their run game to control time of possession and capitalize on the Tiger's weak defensive line. The Racers (1-8, 1-3) will rest up, enjoy their bye, and look for their first win streak in a year when they host winless Robert Morris in two weeks.
Vikings Thwart Off Eagles, Reclaim Dam Cup
The Portland State Vikings held off a miraculous comeback bid by Eastern Washington, taking back the Dam Cup 38-35. Despite being a large road underdog, the Vikings (3-5, 2-3) were fired up from the opening kickoff and took a 35-7 halftime lead. The Eagles came out of the locker room in desperation mode, clawing all the way back to make it a one-possession game. Portland State's defense stood strong and stifled the Eagles' last chance. Every Viking got involved, making it a special win for the program. Up next is a home game against Northern Colorado (2-6, 1-4) and an opportunity to get to an even .500 in the Big Sky Conference.
Comeback Country
Winning in comeback fashion can be the most rewarding. In Birmingham, the Magic City Classic provided a tight game, as Alabama State rallied back to beat Alabama A&M 24-17. The Hornets (5-3, 3-2) trailed by ten at the halftime intermission but proceeded to outscore the Bulldogs 21-3 in the second stanza. Meanwhile, in Lake Charles, the Southeastern Louisiana Lions avoided an upset, scoring the game's last 14 points to beat McNeese 28-27. The Lions (5-3, 2-1) struggled in the first half and went to the locker room down by seven. Like Alabama State, the SLU defense only held the Cowboys to one score, helping the offense be in a position to win the game. Both schools will take their 5-3 records on the road next week, with the Hornets taking on Bethune-Cookman and the Lions traveling to Lamar.
Are You Diggin' It?
Four Peak volleyball teams clinched spots in their respective conference tournaments this past week and are still in the hunt for a regular season title. First, Southeastern Louisiana is one game back of the Southland Conference leader and keeps their hopes alive, now standing at 9-4. In the ASUN, Central Arkansas's home success helped them clinch a spot in the conference event. Delaware State has three straight wins in MEAC play and improves to 8-3. Finally, in the SWAC, both Florida A&M (12-0) and Alabama State (11-1) continue to be atop the conference and lead the way.
Scores from Peak Action
#7 Ferris State 56, Northern Michigan 20
#5 Holy Cross 53, #22 Fordham 52 (OT)
Wofford 48, ETSU 41
Albany State 31, Morehouse 7
Samford 38, The Citadel 3
NC Central 28, Delaware State 21
Missouri Western 31, Missouri Southern 27
Murray State 19, Tennessee State 3
Utah Tech 47, Stephen F. Austin 44
#5 Pittsburg State 38, Central Oklahoma 7
Alabama State 24, Alabama A&M 17 (in Birmingham)
Lamar 24, Nicholls 17
Portland State 38, Eastern Washington 35
Jacksonville State 40, #25 Austin Peay 16
Florida A&M 27, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6
UTPB 24, Eastern New Mexico 21
Central Arkansas 64, North Alabama 29
Southeastern Louisiana 28, McNeese 27
Peak Sports Co-Athletes of the Week
Week 9: QB Jimmy Weirick, Wofford & WR Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
Big-time players make big-time plays. Both guys' performances aided their teams to season-altering victories. Jalen Coker was other-worldly for his Holy Cross Crusaders. The 6-3, 207 junior wide receiver had six catches for 131 yards and three touchdowns. His last 15-yard catch in the endzone was his most important of the game and helped the Crusaders to win 52-51 in overtime. Elsewhere, Wofford QB Jimmy Weirick was brilliant for his Terriers, completing 64% of his passes, throwing for 409 yards, and three touchdowns. The fifth-year signal caller's efforts not only set the new Wofford single-game passing yards record but also helped them win two in a row, defeating ETSU 48-41.
