Kaden Anderson delivered the decisive blow in the closing minutes, launching a 25-yard touchdown pass to B.J. Fleming with 1:54 remaining to secure a 28-24 victory for undefeated Tarleton State over Eastern Kentucky. The play capped a frantic fourth quarter in which the Texans outscored the Colonels 14-0, erasing a 24-21 deficit created by Brady Hensley’s 2-yard rushing score with 3:18 left on the clock. Eastern Kentucky’s final possession ended in a turnover on downs, allowing Tarleton State to preserve its perfect 9-0 season and maintain its top ranking in the Stats Perform poll for the second consecutive week.
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Anderson’s performance was a mix of high-efficiency explosiveness and costly mistakes, completing 18 of 32 passes for 351 yards while throwing two interceptions. His connection with Marquis Willis proved pivotal, as Willis hauled in four receptions for 173 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown, while Tanner Schmidt added eight catches for 107 yards. On the ground, Tylan Hines anchored the Texans’ offense with 110 rushing yards on 15 carries, and Miequle Brock provided a crucial spark with a 34-yard touchdown run with 13:59 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Despite the loss, Eastern Kentucky (3-6) showed resilience through Myles Burkett, who threw for 248 yards on 11-of-17 accuracy and connected with Jayden West for a 105-yard gain. Hensley was a dual-threat force for the Colonels, finishing with 139 rushing yards that included a 63-yard touchdown run. Tarleton State (4-0 in the United Athletic Conference) now prepares to host Abilene Christian, looking to extend its unbeaten streak and solidify its position at the top of the conference standings.
Source: Yahoo Sports
