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Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Eddie Clark
20
Winner Carson-Newman CNU 5-1 , 3-1
17
Lenoir-Rhyne LRU 2-4 , 1-3
Winner
Carson-Newman CNU
5-1 , 3-1
20
Final
17
Lenoir-Rhyne LRU
2-4 , 1-3
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT F
CNU Carson-Newman 0 0 7 7 6 20
LRU Lenoir-Rhyne 7 7 0 0 3 17

Game Recap: Football | | Joel Krenz, Assistant AD for Media and Communications

Football drops overtime heartbreaker to No. 23 Carson-Newman

HICKORY, N.C. - Lenoir-Rhyne saw a 14-point halftime lead disappear on Saturday, falling 20-17 in overtime to the run heavy Carson-Newman Eagles. 

"Disappointed in the outcome," said head coach Doug Socha. "Had opportunities to stretch the lead in the 3rd and 4th quarter but couldn't convert. We have to find a way to play consistently for four quarters. We've got to stay together and keep fighting!"

This was the first home overtime game for the Bears since a 33-24 triple overtime victory over Brevard on October 8, 2011.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #23 Carson-Newman 20, Lenoir-Rhyne 17 (OT)
Records: Carson-Newman (5-1, 3-1 SAC), Lenoir-Rhyne (2-4, 1-3 SAC)
Location: Hickory, N.C. | Moretz Stadium

STORY OF THE GAME:
  • Lenoir-Rhyne opened the game with a nine play, 80-yard scoring drive that ended in a Shamil Saadiq Jr. touchdown reception.
  • Carson-Newman had one scoring chance in the opening quarter but missed a 35-yard field goal.
  • The Bears' first drive of the second quarter took up 10:08 of game time, going 86 yards in 16 plays.
  • That drive ended in a Mikel McClellan touchdown reception from Wells Bettenhausen for Lenoir-Rhyne's second touchdown of the half.
  • Christian Santana forced a fumble on the Eagles' first drive of the second half, but Lenoir-Rhyne failed to capitalize and was forced to punt.
  • The Bear defense continued to hold strong, forcing a failed fourth down conversion and two punts.
  • A botched punt gave the Eagles possession in Lenoir-Rhyne's end zone and they took advantage, scoring in four plays.
  • The Eagles opened the fourth with a long scoring drive, tying the game at 14-14 with 6:27 left in the game.
  • Both teams went scoreless on their final possession, sending the game to overtime.
  • The Bears kicked a field goal on their first possession of overtime.
  • Carson-Newman used two 11-yard rushes to eventually get to the two yard line, where Joshua Adams punched it in for the win.
STATS OF THE GAME:
  • Wells Bettenhausen was 18-28 for 176 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Eddie Clark led the ground game with 102 yards on the ground, his second most yards as a Bear.
  • Freshman Shamil Saadiq Jr. was tops with three receptions for 65 yards and a score, while Mikel McClellan had six catches for 32 yards and a score.
  • Christian Santana led the defense with 11 tackles (8 solo, 3 ast), one TFL, and a forced fumble.
  • Carson-Newman finished with 330 yards of total offense, just 16 more than Lenoir-Rhyne's 314. 
  • The Bears led 18-15 in first downs but CNU had an advantage in time of possession (32:16 - 27:44).
BEYOND THE STATS:
  • This was the first time these two teams have ever gone to overtime.
  • Carson-Newman leads the all-time series 46-22 and have won two in a row.
Up Next: Lenoir-Rhyne will hit the road next week to battle UVA Wise. The Cavaliers are 0-5 (0-3 SAC) and take on Newberry later tonight. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. from Wise, Virginia.
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