MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Austin College football team held a 17-13 lead late, but Rhodes College managed to turn a fourth and long into a go-ahead 16-yard touchdown with 1:14 left to hand the 'Roos a 19-17 defeat in the team's first road game of the season.
Austin College opened the game with possession, but an early fumble gave the ball to the Lynx deep in 'Roos territory and the home team was able to take advantage, going 39 yards with a 6-yard touchdown run by Elijah Bane to make it 7-0. That remained the score until the second frame, when Peyton Keily connected with Dakota Lowery for a 62-yard touchdown strike, the team's longest play from scrimmage so far this season.
The 'Roos would take a 14-7 lead into halftime, this time thanks to a defensive score. Brady Dygert pulled down a deflected pass with two and a half minutes left before the break, returning it 15 yards for the score to give the 'Roos a touchdown cushion heading into the locker room. The Lynx would cut into the Austin College lead as time expired in the third quarter, however, taking advantage of an interception of their own and getting a 6-yard touchdown pass from Houston Wilhelm to Andrew Pickens to cap off a four play, 30 yard drive. The extra point failed, keeping the 'Roos on top 14-13 heading into the fourth quarter.
Austin College pushed its lead to 17-13 midway through the fourth, as the 'Roos saw a 13-play, 73-yard drive stall inside the Rhodes 10-yard line, settling for a 22-yard field goal from John Aldridge. It appeared that would be enough for Austin College to hang on, but Rhodes drove it deep into Austin College territory and faced a 4th and 13 from the 16-yard line, and Wilhelm's pass into the endzone found its way to John Hampton to put the Lynx on top. The point after failed once again, keeping it a 19-17 game. Austin College was able to cross into Rhodes territory on the ensuing possession, but were unable to get close enough for a last second field goal attempt and the Lynx were able to hang on.
Keily completed 11-of-20 passes for a career-high 206 yards with a touchdown and a pick, and Christian Johnson led the ground attack with 30 yards on nine carries. Colton Gerken had 12 tackles and Jarrett Pleasant added 10 plus an interception, while Dygert finished with eight stops and a pick-six.
Wilhelm led the Rhodes offense with a 28-of-45 performance with 253 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Bane caught 10 passes for 63 yards and led the Lynx with 22 rushing yards, as well. Evan Byrd led the Lynx defensively with nine tackles.