November 3, 2001

A stunning momentum swing just before halftime was more than Bluffton College could overcome Saturday afternoon as the Beavers fell to #20 Thomas More College 50-14 in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

Bluffton drove 65 yards in 11 plays just before halftime to set up a third-and-one situation from the Saints four yard line. Trailing 21-7, a touchdown would have brought the score to within seven points at 21-14 heading into the intermission, but TMC defensive back Peete Davis picked off a BC pass and returned it 90 yards to give the Saints a 28-7 lead at halftime.

Bluffton never recovered as TMC scored touchdowns on their first three possessions of the second half, while holding the Beavers to three-and-out possessions on their first two opportunities with the football.

In the first half Bluffton was able to move the ball consistantly on the Saints defense and ended the game with 404 yards in total offense. Sophomore Jovan Johnson led the rushing attack with 115 yards and a touchdown, while Brad Moore passed for 105 yards and added 68 yards rushing, which included a 63-yard TD run early in the second quarter. Senior Jon Spradling led the receiving corps with five catches for 69 yards.

Thomas More keeps their playoff chances alive and improves to 9-0 on the season. Their 15-game winning streak is the second-longest in the nation.

Bluffton falls to 4-5 and must regroup for their season ending showdown against Defiance College next Saturday in Salzman Stadium. Against his alma mater, BC head coach Carlin Carpenter will be looking for his 100th career win on Saturday against the Yellow Jackets.

Junior Cam Staley led the BC defense with 12 tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage for 13 yards in lost yardage. He also recovered a fumble, which set up Bluffton's last drive of the first half. That fumble was caused by sophomore Chris Sommers, who notched seven tackles.