---
title: "Charleston, S.C.: The Citadel falls to No. 24 ETSU 34-16"
url: https://www.herecharleston.com/2026/10/12/citadel-falls-to-no-24-etsu-34-16-in-charleston/
date: 2026-10-12T05:32:46-04:00
modified: 2026-10-12T05:32:46-04:00
author: "E. J. Chatt"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Charleston"
attribution: "HERE Charleston"
---

# Charleston, S.C.: The Citadel falls to No. 24 ETSU 34-16

> CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Citadel jumped out early Saturday at home in Charleston, S.C., but No. 24 East Tennessee State rallied for a 34-16 Southern Conference win, leaving the Bulldogs still searching for their first league victory. The Bulldogs built a 10-0 first quarter lead on a 17-yard touchdown run by Quentin Hayes and a

*Source: [HERE Charleston](https://www.herecharleston.com/2026/10/12/citadel-falls-to-no-24-etsu-34-16-in-charleston/) — October 12, 2026 by E. J. Chatt*

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Citadel jumped out early Saturday at home in Charleston, S.C., but No. 24 East Tennessee State rallied for a 34-16 Southern Conference win, leaving the Bulldogs still searching for their first league victory.

The Bulldogs built a 10-0 first quarter lead on a 17-yard touchdown run by Quentin Hayes and a 29-yard field goal by Evan Kelly.

ETSU answered with touchdowns from offense, defense and special teams. A forced fumble was returned for a score from the 4 to open the second quarter, and the game was tied at the half. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown put the visitors up 20-10, and TJ Peyton broke an 85-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to put it away.

The Buccaneers outscored The Citadel 24-6 in the second half, recorded a season-high five sacks and recovered two fumbles. The win stretched their Southern Conference winning streak to a program-record seven games.

The Citadel used four quarterbacks and fell to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in league play. ETSU improved to 5-2 overall and stayed unbeaten in conference play at 3-0.

The Bulldogs travel to College Station, Texas, to face Texas A&M on Saturday.