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.
