SHERMAN, Texas –The Millsaps football team returned to action after two unexpected weeks away from competition but fell to Austin College in a 27-17 decision at Jerry Apple Stadium on Saturday.
Millsaps (0-3, 0-3 SAA) was carried offensively by dynamic running back duo
Nik Shanklin and
Jaidon Horton. Shanklin posted a strong effort in defeat with 66 rushing yards on 12 attempts and one touchdown. Horton also scored a touchdown while averaging 7.2 yards per carry (six rushes for 43 yards). Austin College (1-2, 1-2 SAA) was led by quarterback Tyler James (14-of-30 passing for 228 yards, one touchdown) with a touchdown and no picks.
Senior linebacker
Mickale Massey led all players on both teams with nine tackles. He also added one TFL and one pass breakup to his solid afternoon. Senior defensive back
Christian Roberts also had an impressive game with seven tackles, one pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
Three players had sacks for the Majors defensively, including
Liam Vincifora with a pair, and
Dylan Higgins and
James Christy Jr. with one each.
Millsaps opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a three-yard touchdown run by
Nik Shanklin. Austin College answered with three straight touchdowns in the second quarter capped by a 34-yard touchdown completion with 20 seconds remaining in the first half.
Both teams traded field goals in the third quarter. A touchdown run by Horton with 14:16 cut the 'Roos' lead to seven points at 24-17. After forcing a punt from a three-and-out, the Majors looked to tie the game. After driving down the field, Millsaps threw an interception to Austin College near the red zone at the 22-yard line.
A field goal by Austin College on their following possession gave them a 27-17 advantage to put the game out of reach for good.
Millsaps will conclude its season against Rhodes at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium on Sunday, March 14 at 6 p.m. CT. Live video and stats links will be available on gomajors.com. Ticket information will be announced by the Southern Athletic Association and passed along early next week.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps football program, follow the Majors on Twitter and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.
