Maroon Tigers take advantage of turnovers to upset Fort Valley State 51-3
For all the ways a first half could go wrong, the Wildcats experienced the majority of them Saturday afternoon. Morehouse College turned four Fort Valley State turnovers and blocked a pair of punts on the way to a 44-point first half and a 51-3 final for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference upset.
The Wildcats (4-3,2-1 SIAC East) committed a fumble on the opening kick return, another on the third play of the first offensive drive, an interception returned for a touchdown on the second possession and wrapped up with the first punt attempt blocked by the Maroon Tigers (2-5,2-1 SIAC East) turned into another score and 23-0 home lead after the first quarter.
The Morehouse upset snapped a five-game FVSU win streak in the series and recorded its first victory in the series since a 24-21 final back in 2014. The Wildcats also suffered their first loss in four games.
On the afternoon, FVSU committed a season-high six turnovers, five fumbles and an interception, while Morehouse had only the one interception. The Maroon Tigers also outgained the Wildcats, 445-171 yards.
The SIAC-leading rusher Emanuel Wilson was held to 67 yards on 16 carries and four receptions for 36 yards. Shaw Robinson added four catches for 23 yards. Jaylen Joyner completed 8 of 17 passes for 65 yards, while Tyrell Jackson was 8 of 18 for 58 yards.
On the Defensive side, Solomon Moseley paced the FVSU unit with 13 stops. Zaquan Baldwin added seven tackles and a tackle for loss. Zach Anderson, Davares Jones and Tyveze Harrison chipped in six tackles apiece.
FVSU put its lone points on the scoreboard when Andre Labat connected on a 27-yard field goal with 4:48 left in the third frame. The three points capped the visitors’ longest drive of the day of 61 yards on 12 plays.
FVSU will look to bounce back when it welcomes all alumni and fans for the 2021 Valley Homecoming Weekend. The Wildcats will host the Panthers of Clark Atlanta next Oct. 23, in a 2 p.m. kick-off.
This story was originally published October 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM.