MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Millsaps College football team defeated Rhodes College, 45-19 on Saturday at Crain Field. Millsaps capitalized on a strong start and three defensive takeaways to bring home the road triumph. The Majors scored 21 points in the first quarter did damage in special teams as well.

The defense contributed significantly, intercepting three passes, including one returned for a touchdown as well as two fumble recoveries. Rhodes (1-4, 0-2 SAA) managed to score 19 points and 340 yards of offense, while Millsaps (3-2, 1-1 SAA) totaled 370 yards and converted points on all five trips to the red zone.

Sophomore Ian Burleson and junior Quez Goss both made an impact at the quarterback position on Saturday. Burleson completed 13-of-25 passes for 151 yards and two passing scores. Goss threw for a passing score and ran for two more on the ground, with 29 yards of offense.

Redshirt sophomore Braxton Garmon rushed for 85 yards, while junior Tameron Patterson added 51 yards and redshirt junior Mitch Taylor posted 48 yards.

In the passing game, sophomore Greg Donaldson (66 yards), freshman Derrick Tasby Jr. (38 yards) and sophomore Davis Dare (31 yards) each hauled in a touchdown reception. Dare also was dynamic in special teams, totaling 70 punt return yards.

Sophomore Connor Babin finished 6-for-6 on PATs, while adding a 26-yard field goal. He also sent eight kickoffs 463 yards (57-yard average).

Defensively, senior Luke Bridges posted nine tackles, including one tackle for loss. Sophomore Kyle Veal Jr., freshman Jackson DeGeorge and redshirt sophomore Brewer Bailey brought in an interception at Crain Field. Veal Jr. took his takeaway to the house for a pick-6 and secured a forced fumble as well. DeGeorge and senior Yahya Rashid (five tackles) also secured fumble recoveries.

The opening Rhodes drive saw Millsaps recover a muffed punt, setting up Garmon for a 15-yard rush that eventually led to a Goss 1-yard touchdown run at 10:34.

Burleson then connected with Donaldson on a 17-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0 on the ensuing offensive possession.

A late drive concluded the quarter with Burleson connecting with Dare for a 21-yard touchdown pass as the clock hit zero, putting Millsaps ahead 21-0 by the end of the quarter. Babin converted all three extra points to maintain the perfect start for the visitors.

Rhodes scored on its opening drive of the second quarter, but the Majors were soon able to respond. Pinned deep in its territory, the Lynx tossed an interception into the arms of Veal Jr., who returned it 11 yards for a touchdown at 9:16.

The Lynx reduced the deficit with a touchdown pass with 2:24 left until halftime, though the extra point attempt failed.

Millsaps extended their lead with a 26-yard field goal by Babin, closing the half with a 31-13 advantage.

Rhodes initiated the third quarter with a determined offensive march. A 1-yard touchdown run at 8:34 capped a 75-yard drive, narrowing the Majors' lead to 31-19 after another missed extra point attempt.

Millsaps answered with a methodical series, but their momentum was halted when a Burleson pass was intercepted and returned for 38 yards to set up Rhodes. Subsequent defensive stops by both teams kept the quarter's scoring limited, preserving Millsaps' lead heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, the Majors capitalized on key turnovers to extend their lead over Rhodes. A pass was intercepted by DeGeorge at 13:40, setting Millsaps up for a drive that culminated in a Goss 2-yard touchdown run. Babin's extra point made it 38–19.

On the very next Lynx offensive play, Bailey intercepted another pass, leading to a 7-yard touchdown pass from Goss to Tasby Jr. at 8:49, extending the advantage to 45-19. Despite a late strong drive by the Lynx, a fumble recovered by Rashid and forced out by Veal Jr. at 2:48 ended Rhodes' last scoring opportunity.

In their next game, the Majors will host Maryville College for Homecoming at Harper Davis Field on Saturday, Oct. 18. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with live video and live stats available at gomajors.com.


To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps College football program follow the Majors on X and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook and visit gomajors.com.   
 
Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.