Football Knocks Off VMI in Overtime

DAVIDSON, N.C. — A Christos Tzoumakas 25-yard field goal and a game-ending takeaway propelled Davidson past VMI 27-24 in overtime Saturday afternoon on Field 76 at Davidson College Stadium.
 
It's Davidson's first win over a scholarship program since beating Boston University in 1981 and ended VMI's 12-game winning streak in the series.
 
After VMI tied it at 24-all late in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats, on offense first in the alternating overtime format, drove to the Keydet 8-yard line, and Tzoumakas converted from the middle of the field.
 
Then on VMI's second offensive play, Hayden Bender forced a fumble by running back Traveion Slaughter, and fellow safety Hayden Meese fell on it to seal the win.
 
Davidson (2-2) was in position to win it in regulation when quarterback Casey Bullock scored on a 1-yard run, capping a nine-play, 87-yard drive with 59 seconds left. But the Keydets (0-4) quickly responded via a 75-yard touchdown pass from Ian Reynolds to Halim Hardnett with 38 ticks on the clock.  
 
Bullock threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter, including a 32-yarder to Alani Ajigbotosho and a 22-yard strike to Jacary Lightsey (5 catches, 102 yards). Bullock finished with 392 yards of total offense (288 passing) and also hit Andrew Frazier for a 41-yard pass to set up the Wildcats' go-ahead touchdown in the fourth.
 
Tzoumakas finished the day 2-of-4 on field goals, also including a 44-yarder to give the Wildcats a 3-0 first-quarter lead.
 
VMI's Jack Joyce hit a 49-yard field goal with two seconds remaining in the second quarter and the teams exited to a 17-17 halftime tie.
 
Hudson Altenburg led the Davidson defense with nine tackles, while Ayden Bell had a sack. Bender added a third-quarter interception.
 
Davidson last defeated VMI in 1972.
 
Up Next
The Wildcats will open Pioneer League play next Saturday when they host Drake.