Virginia Union 55, Central State 53, 4OT

September 30, 2006

Wilberforce, OH—The final score 55-53 looked as if it came from a basketball game rather than a football game but when you finish regulation at 27-27 and the losing team scores 26 points and the winners 28 you end up with a high scoring game.

Despite 177 yards rushing on 24 attempts by junior running back Derrick Moss and 302 yards rushing total for the Marauders, they could not get the one yard they needed in the final overtime period to win the game. In fact they had their only turnover by a fumble on the two yard line, as they went for the mandatory two point try after tying the score, that the Virginia Union defense returned 98 yards for the winning margin.

Ife Oyedokun, CSU’s quarterback was 13 of 20 with three interceptions to go with two touchdowns. He found six different receivers on the day for a total of 132 yards and was not sacked as the Marauders looked as if they were going to win their first game of the season when they took a 27-19 lead with 4:49 to go in the game. But the Panthers scored with 25 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and force the overtimes. Virginia Union played five overtimes last week in a loss to Johnson C. Smith.

Both teams were able to find the end zone every time they had the ball in overtime but the PATs were the problem.

Lamar Little, VUU’s quarterback was their leading rusher with 91 yards an he threw for 209 yards and 5 TDs on the day. He had five receivers make a catch with Herb Jones pulling in three of his six catches in the end zone.

Punting was a major factor in the game with Chad Talley for Virginia Union averaging 44.7 yards a kick and Tyrell Thompson for the Marauders averaging only 22.3 yards. Each team punted only three times. Returns helped the Marauders make the net yards per punt just about even.

Central State finished with 434 total yards to Virginia Union’s 335. First downs were close with CSU having 19 (12 by rushing and 6 by passing) and Virginia Union having 16 (8 rushing and seven passing). Each team picked up a first down with a penalty. Both teams converted on 5 of 12 third down conversions.

Central State will travel to Indianapolis next week to take on Hampton University in the Circle City Classic. Game time is 4:00 PM.