By Manning Snyder
SouthernPigskin.com

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Manning Snyder recaps The Citadel’s overtime loss to Chattanooga.

The Citadel Bulldogs lost an overtime heartbreaker to the Chattanooga Mocs Saturday afternoon, 25-24. The Bulldogs trailed 17-7 early in the fourth quarter when they began to gain momentum. Citadel linebacker Brian Horn recovered a Chattanooga fumble on the UTCxe2x80x99s 46-yard line. The ensuing drive ended in a field goal, bringing the score to 17-7 UTC.

After an interception by Parrish Gordon on Chattanoogaxe2x80x99s following drive, The Citadel marched down the field on a 16-play, 51-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. With less than a minute to play, the game was tied.

Chattanooga won the overtime coin toss and elected to defend. Riding their momentum, The Citadel scored after a nine play drive and kicked an extra point making the score 24-17.

At this point, the game seemed squarely in Citadelxe2x80x99s hands. Everything was clicking on defense0 and they stopped Chattanoogaxe2x80x99s first 3 downs of their overtime possessions. On fourth-and-10 at the Citadel 25-yard line, Chattanooga quarterback Drayton Arnold lofted a ball to the endzone intended for wide receiver Reginald Henderson.

The ball fell through his hands. Ball game over. Wait, not so fast…The official threw a flag, calling pass interference on Citadelxe2x80x99s Destin Mack. First down Mocs. Chattanooga would go on to score two plays later and convert the two-point conversion to seal the deal for the Mocs.

The Citadel (0-6, 0-2) was desperately looking for their first win in over 490 days. They became one two-point conversion stop away from knocking off 18th-ranked Chattanooga (2-1, 2-0).

Although things are trending in the right direction for the Bulldogs, they need a win. Simple as that. The Citadel dominated time-of-possession, shut down Chattanoogaxe2x80x99s offense in the second half, and didnxe2x80x99t have any turnovers0

The biggest storylines of the game, besides the overtime pass interference call and two-point conversion decision, were penalties and big plays given up by the Bulldogs. The Citadel committed nine penalties for 122 yards; Chattanooga had only three penalties. And in almost dxc39jxc30 vu fashion from last weekxe2x80x99s Mercer contest, the Bulldogs gave up a 75-yard passing play on Chattanoogaxe2x80x99s first play from scrimmage.00

Some things to keep your eye on moving forward: Willie Eubanks III exited Saturdayxe2x80x99s game with what looked like a shoulder injury. He didnxe2x80x99t play the entire second half. Without Eubanks, arguably the best defensive player in the entire FCS, The Citadel will need another leader to step up on defense.

The Citadel faces Western Carolina next weekend on the road; Chattanooga has a bye.