Tiffin University lost their closest battle of the season 21-17 at Indianapolis, leading early in the game and not relinquishing the lead until late in the third quarter in a hard-fought contest.
The Dragons jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. Greg Raspberry hauled in a 34 yard pass from Nate Scully to get TU on the board at the 11:58 mark. The Dragons then jumped on the scoreboard quickly, scoring at the 9:17 mark on a 14 yard pass from Scully to David Singleton to take a 14-0 lead.
The Greyhounds answered with two scores of their own in the final 6:28 of the first half, knotting the score at 14-14 at halftime.
TU got back out in front right out of the lockerroom, as Boris Bede drilled a 42 yard field goal at 12:41 of the third quarter to put TU up 17-14. But the Greyhounds went ahead for good at the 4:11 mark of the third quarter on a 38-yard TD strike. The Dragons were unable to mount another drive throughout the final quarter as UI held on for the win.
Overall the Greyhounds controlled the stats, outgaining TU 343-163 in total offense and 23-10 in first downs. The Greyhounds turned the ball over four times, giving the Dragons numerous opportunities, but TU only capitalized a few times as they went just 1-for-10 on third down conversions. The Greyhounds also controlled the clock, holding a 37:30-21:37 advantage in time of possession.
Nate Scully completed just 9 of 23 passes with 2 interceptions along with 2 touchdowns for 127 yards, but he also was sacked 6 times. Greg Raspberry was the top offensive threat, catching 3 passes for 73 yards. Boris Bede also did well, kicking a field goal, averaging 35.1 yards per punt including putting 3 inside the 20 yard line, and averaging 66.2 yards per kickoff.
Defensively the Dragons played one of their top games, with David Rumley totaling 11 tackles with a sack. Arthur Allen had 10 tackles with a forced fumble, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a deflection, while Dan Reedy had 10 tackles with 2 fumbles forced. Moses Kato posted 9 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, and a sack, while Jackson Davis had 8 tackles and a deflection. Ty Richardson had an interception.
