TOWSON, Md. – Towson University running back
Shane Simpson rushed for a career-high 187 yards, and the Tiger defense forced four turnovers in defeating Elon, 23-6, Saturday afternoon at Johnny Unitas® Stadium.
How it Happened
- The Tigers jumped out early as they drove down the field and got a career-long 47 yard field goal from Aidan O'Neill on the opening possession. It marked the first time since Sept. 17 the Tigers scored on their opening possession.
- After the defense forced a three-and-out on the Phoenix first possession, quarterback Morgan Mahalak engineered a six play drive that ended with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Christian Summers.
- Towson scored again late in the second quarter as Simpson returned a punt 29 yards to set up the offense at the 23 yards line with under a minute to play.
- O'Neill added to the lead with a 37 yard field goal.
- Elon threatened to score on their first possession of the second half as they drove down to the Tigers one-yard line.
- On the first down play, Jordan Mynatt ripped the ball away from the ball carrier and D'Sean Cummings jumped on the football to end the scoring threat.
- The Tigers opened the fourth quarter with five-straight rushing plays to get into Elon territory. Mahalak then rolled out and hit Tanner Vallely on a 16 yard connection.
- On the next play, Mahalak found Andre Dessenberg for a 26 yard touchdown to make it a 20-6 game.
- The defense got the ball right back to the offense as Mynatt intercepted a pass at the Elon 16. It was the second turnover of the day for the senior.
- Towson ran over four minutes off the clock before O'Neill hit his third field goal of the game, this time from 20 yards out.
- Sophomore Lyrics Klugh made it two-straight drives with an interception as he picked off a pass and returned it 18 yards.
- The defense would force its fourth turnover of the game on the next defensive play as Chris Tedder stripped the ball and Troy Jeter recovered.
Inside the Numbers
- Shane Simpson carried 21 times for 187 yards. It is the most yards by a Tiger running back this season.
- Simpson also added 33 yards on three punt returns, and 53 yards on two kickoff returns. The 271 all-purpose yards were a career high, and marked the second time this season he had over 200 all-purpose yards.
- Morgan Mahalak finished 12-of-24 for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with six different receivers.
- Christian Summers, Andre Dessenberg and Sam Gallahan each had three receptions. Summers led the way with 68 yards and a score, while Dessenberg added 47 yards and a touchdown.
- D'Sean Cummings recorded a career-high 12 tackles and recovered a fumble. Diondre Wallace also finished with 12 stops.
- Jordan Mynatt registered seven tackles, forced a fumble and intercepted a pass.
- The Tigers defense forced three Elon turnovers on the final three offensive plays of the game.
- The defense held the Phoenix to just 238 yards of offense.
Up Next
The Tigers close out the 2016 home schedule as they welcome William & Mary to Unitas Stadium for Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on the American Sports Network.