15th-ranked Tiffin University used clutch fourth-quarter defense and a great performance off the bench to pull out a gutsy 20-17 win over 12th-ranked Indianapolis.
The Dragons, trailing 17-7 late in the third quarter and without starting quarterback Nick Watson due to injury, needed big plays in big moments to rally for the win.
With 59 seconds left in the third quarter, UIndy attempted a pass on their own 48-yard line. The pass hit defensive back Kevin Hyde in the helmet and popped up where a waiting Latrell Robinson grabbed it and streaked down the sideline for a 44-yard interception return that pulled TU unexpectedly to within 17-13. Just when it seemed TU was on the ropes, they suddenly stole the momentum.
Next up in the role of hero was backup quarterback Miles Johnson. After TU's defense held UIndy to a three-and-out on their next possession, Johnson came out and engineered a 56 yard drive, going 5-for-7 and hitting Anthony Lowe for an 11 yard touchdown that put the Dragons ahead for the first time all night with 11:04 to play.
The Greyhounds tried to respond, using the next 4:00 to drive from their own 11-yard line to the TU 30 yard line before the defense stiffened. The Greyhounds attempted a game-tying 47 yard field goal but it missed right, leaving the Dragons in the lead.
The Greyhounds got one more chance with 2:50 left. Starting at their own 25-yard line, they again passed their way down the field, reaching the TU 38 yard line. On 4th-and-6, the Dragons came up with their sole sack of the night, as Charlie Cleveland ended UIndy's final threat with a 12-yard sack that gave TU the ball back and sealed the victory.
The game presented the biggest challenge yet for the Dragons' defense, as they had to hold the Greyhounds' Toriano Clinton in check. Clinton was averaging 208 yards per game coming into the contest, and the TU defense allowed him only 90 in the game. They held UIndy's rushing attack 121 yards beneath their average, allowing only 109 total rushing yards.
With the Dragons containing UIndy's rushing game, the Greyhounds took to the air for their attack. They ultimately outgained TU 388-220 in total offense, 24-13 in first downs, and held a huge 14:00 time of possession advantage (37:00 to 23:00).
Yet, still, the Dragons found a way to win.
Darius Pinnix led TU's rushing attack with 79 yards on 8 carries, while Lowe had 2 touchdown receptions, hauling in 13 passes for 69 yards while also adding 59 yards in kick returns.
Nick Watson faced a hard-charging Greyhounds defense, completing 9 of 21 passes for 75 yards with an interception and 3 sacks, but Johnson provided an inspiring performance off the bench, connecting on 7 of 9 passes for 59 yards and the game-winning TD throw in the 4th quarter.
David Orlando also helped on special teams, averaging a big 45.8 yards per punt to help TU's defense with the field position battle.
Defensively, Landon Hall led the way with 10 tackles while Kevin Hyde and Jermaine Wimpye had 9 apiece. The-Moor Kelly and Cleveland posted 8 stops each, while Jacob Mertus also had 6 tackles.