By Manning Snyder
SouthernPigskin.com

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Manning Snyder recaps The Citadel’s loss to VMI.

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

nWith 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).

nThe 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.

nThe 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.

nThe 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).xc2xa0

nBulldog 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.

nCitadel 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.

nVMI 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.

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

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

nThe 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.

nOn 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.

nThe 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.xc2xa0

nUp 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.

nThe 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.