It was deja vu all over again.
Tiffin University (6-5) and Truman State University battled to the last seconds, and once again the game came down to a two-point conversion attempt. Whereas Truman converted a two-point attempt in overtime back on Sept. 24 to steal an 18-17 victory, the Dragons needed to convert to win the Crossroads Bowl in Hobart, Indiana.
The attempt was broken up in the end zone by tight coverage, giving Truman a slim and dramatic 28-27 victory.
Tiffin opened scoring with Devin Nelson dashing into the end zone on a 13-yard run early in the first quarter to cap a 6-play, 67-yard drive and make it 7-0, Dragons.
Truman took advantage of two interceptions and good field position to score 21 unanswered points in the second quarter and race ahead to a 21-7 lead.
The Dragons narrowed the gap right before halftime, however, as Jesse Connell's sack forced a fumble that Zion Farmer scooped up for a 5-yard TD run that made the score 21-14 at halftime.
Trailing late in the third quarter 28-14, the Dragons inched closer as a short drive culminated in a 14-yard Jack Stultz touchdown reception that made it 28-21.
The Dragons' defense kept the game close, forcing three fumbles in the game and giving TU a chance late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Drew Zaubi led the offense back on the field and engineered a 12-play, 80-yard drive that finished with a sensational 33-yard TD catch over two defenders by Stultz with 46 seconds left to make the score 28-27.
Zaubi's two-point attempt over the middle to Anthony Lowe was broken up with a hard collision in the end zone to give Truman the victory.
The game statistically was as close as the score. Truman outgained TU 288-275 and the two teams were deadlocked with 12 first downs apiece. TU had 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles, while Truman turned the ball over 3 times via fumble.
Stultz led the offense with 6 receptions for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Lowe finished with 50 yards receiving. Zaubi was 19 for 29 with 2 interceptions and 2 touchdowns along with 202 yards.
Defensively Sir Zion Dance had 12 tackles with 2 fumbles recovered and 2 tackles for loss. Patrick Tueimeh was also all over the field with 11 stops, a sack, and 2 tackles for loss.
Zeke Brown added 7 tackles, while Connell had 6 stops, 2 fumbles forced, and 2.5 tackles for loss. Mark Woods had 6 tackles, and Robert Holtz had 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss.