The #14 ranked WTAMU Buffs were back at home Nov. 6 taking on #2 ranked and undefeated Abilene Christian.
Despite holding a 14-point lead late on, WT wasn’t able to put ACU away as the Wildcats escaped with a 42-35 victory.
WT struck first midway through the first quarter when the Buffs went on a 13 play drive that covered 80 yards with Quarterback Taylor Harris connecting with Tyson Williams for a 25-yard touchdown strike. With 9:56 left in the first quarter it was 7-0 Buffs.
ACU responded immediately on the ensuing kickoff. Caleb Withrow gave ACU prime field position at the WT 10-yard line. However, the Buffs defense stood strong and held the Wildcats to a 29-yard field goal from Morgan Lineberry. The score was 7-3 with 8:20 left in the first quarter.
On the Buffs next possession, Harris was intercepted by James Williams who returned the ball down to the WT 27-yard line. WT’s defensive line put together a brilliant goal-line stand to keep the score at 7-3. The Buffs couldn’t do much with the possession and punted the ball away.
After an ACU punt, Brittain Golden gave WT excellent field position near midfield. With a personal foul penalty tacked on to the end of the run, the Buffs were in business. But, things went bad in a hurry when Harris was picked off for the second time by Williams again at the ACU 7-yard line.
The Wildcats ensuing drive covered 93 yards in 11 plays, culminating with a 21-yard field goal from Lineberry to make it 7-6 Buffs with 10:59 left in the first half.
Just before halftime, WT increased their lead. Harris found Tyson Williams near the sidelines and he fought off numerous ACU defenders en route to a 23-yard touchdown. With 1:33 left before halftime the score was 14-6 Buffs. ACU missed a field goal right at the halftime whistle and the score remained 14-6 at the half.
On their first possession of the second half, ACU drove 80 yards down the field with Quarterback Mitchell Gale scoring from 2-yards out to make the score 14-13 Buffs with 10:28 left in the third quarter.
WT responded with a six play 78-yard drive which culminated with a 20-yard screen pass to Brittain Golden for the touchdown. After the extra point attempt was blocked the score was 20-13. The Buffs secondary then got in on the action.
Caleb Randolph stepped in front of an ill-advised pass from Mitchell to intercept and return it 76-yards for the touchdown making the score 27-13 with 4:30 left in the third quarter.
ACU’s turnover machine struck again late in the third quarter. Backed up in his own end zone, Taylor Harris was hit and fumbled the ball, to which Martin Jones recovered at the four yard-line. The Wildcats scored on the next play thanks to Daryl Richardson making the score 27-20 with 2:15 left in the third quarter.
WT’s next possession was stopped again by an interception and it was James Williams again as he gave the Wildcats great field position going into the fourth quarter.
ACU tied the game early in the fourth quarter as Gale connected with Edmund Gates for a 51-yard touchdown reception to tie the game at 27-27.
WT responded with a 14-play, 80 yard drive that resulted in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Harris to Tyson Williams to give the Buffs a 34-27 lead with 9:05 left in the fourth quarter.
ACU struck back with 4:51 left in the game as Richardson scored from 7-yards out to tie the game at 34-34.
The Wildcats completed their comeback late in the fourth quarter. ACU drove right down the field and took 2:53 off the clock to take the lead thanks to a 23-yard touchdown from Richardson to give ACU a 41-34 lead with a minute left.
WT’s Hail Mary towards the end zone as time expired was knocked down, giving ACU a thrilling 41-34 victory.
QB Taylor Harris went 39-50 passing for 446 yards and four touchdowns. Tyson Williams had 13 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. With Brittain Golden totaling 126 yards receiving and two touchdowns as well.
WT will now prepare to face East Central on Nov, 13 at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
