CANYON, Texas – Texas A&M-Kingsville (3-0, 1-0) pulled off the biggest upset of the year so far in the Lone Star Conference knocking off No. 14 West Texas A&M (2-1, 0-1), 31-24 on Saturday night.
In a tight, back-and-forth affair, the Javelinas broke through early in the fourth quarter, as tight end
Allen Arclies dragged multiple Buffalo defenders over the goal line to give the Javelinas what would be the game-winning touchdown.
It was the defense that stood out tonight as they forced six turnovers in the game, with safety
Isaiah Jacobs leading the way with two interceptions on the night. In total, the Javs' forced three interceptions and recovered 3-4 forced fumbles.
"We fought all night," said head coach
Mike Salinas. "We didn't always play the cleanest, but to come on the road and get a win against a good WT team like this means and shows a lot."
The victory for the Javelinas marks the program's first win over a ranked opponent since they defeated then No. 9 Abilene Christian on the road 16-13, in 2012.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Javelinas started hot, as redshirt junior
Amos Coleman, recorded his second interception on the season, picking off Buff quarterback Nick Gerber on the third play from scrimmage setting the offense up inside the red zone.
Seven plays later, running back
Christian Anderson found the end zone from one yard out to put the Javelinas up 7-0 early in the first.
The Buffs struggled early in the first quarter but found their way into scoring position before having to settle for a field goal attempt that would be blocked preserving the Javelina lead.
The Blue & Gold would extend their lead courtesy of kicker
Gilbert Garza who nailed a career-long 52-yard field goal from the left side of the WT logo to put the Javs' up by 10.
WT got things going offensively late in the first half, as Gerber found an open Buffs' receiver who found their way in for a 53-yard passing touchdown with 1:18 left in the half.'
The Buffs then forced a three-and-out, and a poor punt before driving five plays and 33 yards to set up a field goal as time expired to tie the game at the end of the half.
Kingsville would open the scoring in the second half as quarterback
Jacob Cavazos found tight end
Walker Ring in the back of the WT end zone putting the Javelinas up 17-10.
The Javelinas would double their lead on their next possession as Anderson would rip off a 32-yard run through the middle of the Buff defense to push the lead to 24-10 with ten minutes remaining in the third.
The Buffs would respond in a huge way though as later in the third, WT would capitalize on punting errors on consecutive drives by scoring on the play for two touchdowns to tie the game at 24 heading into the final period of play.
The deadlock would not last long though, as on the next drive the Javelinas would drive 75-yards on 11 plays capped off by Cavazos short flip to Arclies that saw the tight end break off and through would-be tacklers over five yards for the score.
WT gained possession of the ball down by seven with 2:24 left in the game and drove to near midfield before an overthrown ball was intercepted by TAMUK's
Isaiah Jacobs with 1:02 left in the game.
The Javelinas proceeded to run out the clock, sealing the upset
.
WHO LED THE WAY
- Anderson rushed for two touchdowns, 164 yards, and 4.8 yards per carry
- Craig Clemons led the team in receiving posting 103 yards on four receptions, and 51 yards after catch
- Jacobs led the team with two interceptions
- Garza's FG is good for the longest in his career and the longest in the LSC this season
UP NEXT
The Javelinas will welcome the Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico next weekend on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. in Javelina Stadium.
