Lebanon, TN – Cumberlands fought hard but came up just short against MSC foe Cumberland University Saturday afternoon. The Patriots took the lead halfway through the final quarter of play but couldn't hold on as the Phoenix took the victory 21-17. UC moves to 4-2 on the year, and 0-2 in Mid-South Conference play.
 
Darius James once again led the offensive attack for UC. He rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown, making it the third game this season breaking the century mark in rushing yards. Trace Thompson has seen a handful of snaps at QB this season and was called on again today. The freshman went 6 of 15 passing with 68 yards. DK Edwards had his best game of the season at wideout, catching a season high five passes for 53 yards.
 
Defensively the Patriots tallied three sacks as Adam Caudle, Michael West, and Jalavis Wilson each tackled the Phoenix QB. Malik Thronton also continued to impress in the secondary, as he intercepted a pass in his fourth-straight game.
 
The Phoenix received the opening kickoff and capitalized on a fourth and long situation where their QB ran for a 37-yard TD to take the early lead. The following possession UC's offense was moving the ball as Jay Roberts completed a pair of passes to Elijah Howard and Eli Evans. On third down later in the drive, Roberts threw a pass which was picked off by the Phoenix. The Patriots defense responded well, as Caudle sacked the QB to force a three-and-out. UC went back to the run game, and James broke through the secondary and rushed into he endzone for a 35-yard touchdown to even the game back at 7-7.
 
Both teams were quiet at the start of the second quarter, until the Phoenix took advantage of a Patriots muffed punt return to get the ball on UC's 40. Two plays later CU would get into the endzone to regain the lead. Late into the second, the Phoenix were moving the ball downfield trying to score before the half. UC's defense came up big once again, as Malik Thronton intercepted the CU pass to keep it a one-possession game after two quarters of play.
 
UC came out of the half and marched down the field to a first and goal at the nine. They couldn't quite get to the goaline and looked to Job Matossian for a 23-yard field goal on fourth and goal. Matossian had another FG attempt the following drive from 45 yards but pushed it just right to hit off the right post. The Patriots defense continued to stop the Phoenix, not allowing a first down the rest of the quarter.
 
The start of the fourth quarter mirrored the opening of the third, as UC moved the ball downfield to a first-and-goal situation. The CU defense held strong once again forcing another FG attempt from 22 yards. The Phoenix made a good play to block the kick and keep the score at 14-10. Cumberland U started their drive on their own four and were forced to punt once again by the UC defense. This time UC's special teams unit came up huge as Jaylin Berrian blocked the punt and UC jumped on it in the endzone to take their first lead of the game with eighth minutes to play. The Phoenix, who had not recorded a first-down in the second half, responded the following play as their running back found a hole and ran a 79-yard TD to take the lead right back.
 
With seven minutes to play UC tried to respond, but Roberts threw his second pick of the game on 3^rd and 13 to give CU back possession. The Phoenix would take over five minutes off the clock before giving UC back the ball with just 20 seconds left and the whole field to go. UC could not complete any hailmary attempts and the final horn sounded with CU on top 21-17.
 
This marks the third straight season that this matchup was decided by four points. UC taking last year's game 10-6 and the Phoenix taking the game prior 14-10. UC looks to get back to their winning ways next weekend on their homecoming as they host Faulkner. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM ET in Williamsburg, KY. Live video for that contest can be found here.
 
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