By Manning Snyder
SouthernPigskin.com

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Manning Snyder recaps The Citadel’s loss to VMI.

The Citadel drops their SoCon game at VMI, 31-17.

With the loss, the Bulldogs (2-10, 2-6) complete their spring conference slate, finishing in seventh place in the SoCon standings (ahead of Wofford and WCU).

The VMI Keydets (6-1, 6-1) are SoCon Regular Season Champions. It was the first SoCon Championship for VMI since 1977. The Keydets also retain the Silver Shako trophy for the next six monthsxe2x80x93xe2x80x93Citadel plays VMI in October 2021xe2x80x93xe2x80x93after the victory.

The Citadel played their hearts out on both sides of the ball, but had trouble passing during the game. The Bulldogs had 287 total yards, but just 16 passing yards.

The aerial offensive attack of VMI was effective once again. VMI gained 420 total yards (344 passing and 76 rushing). Keydet quarterback Seth Morgan threw for 324 yards and was responsible for all four VMI touchdowns (three rushing and one passing).0

Bulldog quarterback Jaylan Adams rushed for 83 yards, including two touchdowns. Citadel B-back Nathan Storch led all Bulldogs with 93 rushing yards on 31 attempts.

Citadel safety Andy Davis led all Bulldogs with 12 tackles (four solo). Citadel linebacker Marquise Blount forced a fumble. VMI linebacker Stone had 21 tackles (seven solo) and sack.

VMI dominated early, scoring three touchdowns on their first four possessions. After failing to score on their first two offensive possessions, The Citadel scored on their third time with the ball.

Bulldog kicker Colby Kintner added a 32-yard field goal before the halftime break.

The Citadel trailed 21-10 at midway point. In the first half, the Bulldogs gained 174 rushing yards.

The Citadel got back into the game early in the third quarter after forcing a Keydet fumble on VMIxe2x80x99s 25-yard line. Adams scored two plays later on a 22-yard run, cutting the eleven point deficit to four.

On the ensuing VMI offensive possession, The Citadel defense stopped the Keydets on consecutive goal-to-go downs, holding VMI to a 38-yard field goal.

The Citadel had plenty of opportunities to tie the game, particularly in the third and fourth quarters. Despite impressive defensive stops by the Bulldogs, The Citadel failed to score on three straight offensive possessions down one touchdown.0

Up 24-17, VMI got the ball back with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. After milking the clock with some runs, the Keydets scored with two minutes left in the contest.

The Citadel will travel to Conway to open up the fall season against Coastal Carolina on September 4. VMI will welcome Davidson to Alumni Memorial Field on the same date.