By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Right away against VMI, the Bulldogs were off and running.

nBig plays helped The Citadel to a key rivalry triumph over VMI in the “Military Classic of the South”. The Bulldogs wasted no time get started in taking back the Silver Shako Trophy. On The Citadel’s very first offensive play from scrimmage, quarterback Jaylan Adams set the tone for the afternoon by connected with wide receiver Raleigh Webb for an 80-yard touchdown strike. Right away, the Bulldogs were off and running.xc2xa0

nIt wasn’t just an opening score for The Citadel, it was an opening statement.

nHighlight conversions were a featured part of the afternoon for the Bulldogs. In the second quarter alone, running back Logan Billings ran for touchdowns of 14 and 40 yards. Emeka Nwanze later put the exclamation point on a memorable performance with a 15-yard score with 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Adams, who started the scoring with the aformentioned touchdown heave, also had a 68 yard run and finished with 114 passing yards and 188 rushing. He averaged 28.5 yards per pass and 6.7 yards per rush.

nConversley, The Citadel defense gave up just one play of 20 yards or more. Destin Mack and Dominick Poole both recorded interceptions.xc2xa0

nThe Bulldogs have now won consecutive contests to move back to .500 overall. Furthermore, The Citadel now has considerable momentum in Southern Conference play following a signature start. A triumph over VMI could serve as a springboard into an upcoming stretch of road games at East Tennessee State and Furman. The next two games just may be a defining part of the season for the Bulldogs.xc2xa0

nAfter a 31-17 loss to the Keydets to finish the spring season, The Citadel now has the Shako and, in conference play, the hot start.