Tarleton State Pulls Off Stunning Double Overtime Upset Against Army

Tarleton State Pulls Off Stunning Double Overtime Upset Against Army

In a thrilling matchup that showcased the unpredictability of college football, Tarleton State, a Football Championship Subdivision school, stunned Army with a dramatic 30-27 victory on Friday night. This game marked one of the early shockers of the season and demonstrated the grit and determination of the Texans.

Key Moments in the Game

Texans kicker Brad Larson clinched the victory with a 37-yard field goal during the second possession of double overtime. This achievement not only secured the win but also highlighted the significance of the moment—only the second victory for Tarleton State against an FBS opponent in the history of the program.

Head Coach’s Pride

After the game, Tarleton State head coach Todd Whitten expressed immense pride in his players. He stated, “Our guys played their hearts out. I don’t have the words to tell you how proud I am of these guys. They are just outstanding. Our coaches had a great game plan. It’s a great win for our program.” Whitten underscored the monumental nature of this victory for both the football program and the university, especially given their struggles against FBS teams in recent years.

Army’s Challenges

The Black Knights, coming off a successful season where they won the American Athletic Conference and the Independence Bowl, faced a series of challenges during the game. An injury to starting quarterback Dewayne Coleman late in regulation proved particularly detrimental. With only 57 seconds remaining, Coleman was forced to leave the field after a scramble, handing the reins to backup quarterback Cale Hellums.

Despite the setback, Hellums led the team into field goal range, but the game-winning attempt by Dawson Jones fell short, extending the match into overtime.

Overtime Action

Both teams demonstrated resilience during overtime, successfully converting their initial field goal attempts. The tension built as each possession became pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.

Player Performances

Victor Gabalis, the quarterback for Tarleton State, completed 16 of 30 passes for 152 yards and secured a touchdown. Running backs Caleb Lewis and Tre Page III made significant contributions as well, each scoring a touchdown on the ground. Lewis recorded an impressive 107 rushing yards while Page added 89 yards to his tally.

On the other side, Coleman was a standout performer for Army, accumulating 100 rushing yards along with a rushing touchdown. He also recorded 129 passing yards, although his performance was marred by two interceptions, which proved costly in such a tightly contested game.

Implications for the Season

This victory for Tarleton State not only boosts their confidence but also sets a precedent for the remainder of the season. The Texans have shown that they can compete at a higher level, potentially influencing their standing in future games. As for Army, the team will need to regroup and address the challenges they faced against an unyielding Tarleton squad.

The Road Ahead

As the college football season progresses, both teams will be looking to build on this game. For Tarleton State, this landmark victory can serve as a springboard for success, while Army will focus on overcoming injuries and tightening their game strategy following this disappointing loss.

The outcome of this game is a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that college football brings each year. Fans can expect more thrilling matchups as the season unfolds.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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