ETSU gets TDs from all three units in 34-16 win over The Citadel

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — East Tennessee State University (ETSU) secured a 34-16 victory over The Citadel on Saturday, with defensive touchdowns from all three units. Quarterback TJ Peyton contributed significantly, rushing for 110 yards and a touchdown.

The game witnessed an early lead shift, with The Citadel (2-4, 0-3) taking an 10-0 lead in the first quarter due to Quentin Hayes' 17-yard touchdown run and Evan Kelly's 29-yard field goal. ETSU turned the tide when Tyreek’e Robinson intercepted a pass by Gavin Garcia and returned it 4 yards for a score. Ewan Johnson tied the game at halftime with a 25-yard field goal, extending his team's lead in the third quarter with another 26-yard field goal.

Just a minute later, Taylor McClure blocked a punt and Josh Buckhalter returned it 9 yards for a touchdown, putting ETSU ahead 20-10. Peyton's 85-yard touchdown run in the third minute of the game sealed the win.

Xavier Hill, who served as one of four quarterbacks for ETSU, completed 81 yards and a touchdown pass. The Citadel had not won against ETSU since September 10, 2022, when the Bulldogs defeated the Buccaneers 20-17 at home.

East Tennessee State will take a break next weekend before hosting VMI on October 24. The Citadel will travel to College Station, Texas, to face Texas A&M on Saturday.