Turnovers to blame for 20-9 loss to BS Panthers

By Martin Davis
Staff Writer

The Tigers fell to record 1-4 this season with a tough loss to Birmingham-Southern College. After starting the game three and out, Sewanee lost consecutive fumbles on its next two
drives. One of those, a costly turnover on the BS 10-yard line, was on a Sewanee first and goal. Three plays later, on the BS 5-yard line, the BS Panthers executed a quick pass that ended in a 95-yard touchdown. The play was a record-setter for BS whose previous best had been an 83-yard reception. They went on to miss the extra point.

Halfway through the second quarter it looked like Sewanee might rebound. Following
the BS touchdown, Sewanee’s Callum Wishart (C’16) could half the Panther’s lead
with a 34-yarder to make the score 6-3. The Tigers then went on to stop the Panthers on a critical fourth and three, taking the ball to the 45-yard
line. Nine plays later, the Tigers would score on a seven-yard run by Devante Jones (C’16)
to make the score 9-6 before halftime.

Unfortunately, the second half was similar to the first quarter. Multiple failed fourth down conversions, as well as another turnover, spelled out a rough half for the Tigers. BS would capitalize on rushing scores in the third and fourth quarters to cap off the game. However, Sewanee finished with 356 yards of total offense, even with the turnovers, including 231 rushing yards. Quarterback Cody Daniel (C’16) finished with 120 rushing yards, marking his third straight game over 100 yards. Running back Powers Spencer (C’17) averaged
six yards per carry and had a total of 60 yards on the ground.

“There is not really much to say about the unfortunate loss against BSC,” said defensive
back and return specialist Cortez Brown (C’16). “We came out and beat ourselves; fumbles and penalties on offense, missed tackles and blown coverages on defense.” Hopefully the Tigers can up their game for the Family Weekend match against Centre College. Come cheer Sewanee October 18 on the Hardee-McGree field at Harris Stadium at 1 pm.