Box Score LOCATION: Terre Haute, Ind. (Cook Stadium)
THE BASICS
MSJ kicker Shane Kelly knocked down a 30-yard field goal with under six minutes to play to tie the game at 20. That score would hold until overtime, when the Lions defense stopped the Rose-Hulman offense on a gutsy two-point conversion call that would decide the game. The 27-26 win seals up a second place finish in the conference for MSJ behind only league-leading Franklin.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Rose-Hulman (7-2, 5-2 HCAC) struck first, scoring on the game's opening possession on a 13 play, 78-yard drive that ended with an 11-yard touchdown run. The Lions countered after recovering a fumbled punt. Mike Williams polished off a two-play, 19-yard drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
The Lions (6-3, 6-2 HCAC) trailed 10-9 at halftime after a safety was credited to the defense. Williams rushed for a 3-yard touchdown early in the second half to give the Lions a 17-10 lead, but the Engineers would counter with 10 unanswered points.
Kelly capped a 10-play, 63-yard drive with a 30-yard field goal with under six minutes to play. It was the final points scored in regulation.
In overtime, Williams answered the bell again, scoring an 11-yard rushing touchdown - his third of the game - on the offense's first overtime possession. Kelly completed what would be a crucial extra point to give the Lions 27-20 lead. Rose-Hulman answered with an 11-yard pass for a touchdown to bring the Engineers to within a point.
With the Engineers top two quarterbacks sidelined by injury, head coach Jeff Sokol elected to go for the win. The Lions defense held firm, stuffing Rose-Hulman quarterback Aaron Abbott to seal the 27-26 victory.
STANDOUTS
Williams finished the day with three rushing touchdowns and 89 yards on 20 attempts. Williams had 102 yards in the air on 4-of-14 passing. Charles McCall lead the team in rushing with 111 yards on 27 carries. A.J. Glines, who was playing against his brother Nick, had 60 yards receiving.
UP NEXT
MSJ will host Finlandia University at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Mount Sports Complex.
