Two stretches of the game, totaling less than six minutes, were the difference Friday night as the Fort Campbell Falcons fell to the Murray Tigers 34-19. The game began with a new quarterback at the helm of the offense, as the coaches moved Ahmon Williams in to the starting lineup. The coaches also gave a different offensive look at times, incorporating elements of the I-formation into the game plan.
The Falcons got a turnover on the third play of the night, as Murray quarterback Hunter Utley was picked off for the first time. Two plays later Denoris Buchanan scored on a 39-yard run to put the Falcons in front 6-0.
The very next possession, Utley was again picked off on third down. The Falcons appeared headed for another touchdown on their second possession, however Buchanan fumbled the ball in the end zone, with Murray recovering for a touchback. The Tigers were able to generate a little momentum, as Fort Campbell had a punt blocked for a touchdown, and then fumbled the ensuing kickoff, all part of a three minute explosion in the 2nd quarter for Murray, that saw the Tigers take a 20-6 lead at the half.
Fort Campbell tried to fight their way back into the game, as the Falcons scored on a 34-yard pass to Julian Roberts to cut the lead to 20-13 with less than five minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. Murray answered with two touchdowns in less than 3 minutes early in the 4th quarter to extend the lead to 34-13. Fort Campbell added a late touchdown from Denoris Buchanan for the final margin of 34-19.
Buchanan carried the ball 16 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns for Fort Campbell. Sophomore quarterback Ahmon Williams was 7-16 for 86 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Murray running back Chase Meriss had 110 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Hunter Utley was 20 of 31, for 155 yards and a touchdown.
The loss drops the Falcons to 1-3 on the season, while Murray improves to 2-2. The Falcons return to post next Friday night for the annual Army Bowl against Fort Knox.
