Bluefield, WV — Bluefield State University football opened conference play Saturday night at Mitchell Stadium. The Big Blue fell to Livingstone College, 44-30. The loss moves Bluefield State to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Bluefield State found itself in a close game with the score being 30-14 early in the second half. Big Blue managed to achieve a 16-point comeback to tie the game at 30-30.
The comeback began with a safety from defensive end
Donovan Leaks, cutting Livingstone's lead to 30-16. Bluefield State then closed the third quarter with a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback
Savan Briggs to wide receiver
Isaiah Byrd, bringing the Big Blue with one score away from a tied game.
Bluefield State continued its momentum into the fourth quarter. After a 10-play, 50-yard drive,
Tydrez Clements powered into the end zone from two yards out to tie the game at 30-30 with 6:19 remaining.
Unfortunately, Livingstone answered immediately.
On the following possession, Livingstone connected on a 64-yard touchdown pass, putting the Blue Bears back in front, 37-30, with 5:28 remaining.
Bluefield State drove deep into Livingstone territory, reaching the Livingstone 14-yard line. However, Briggs was sacked and fumbled before completing a pass. On third down, Briggs' pass was intercepted and returned 95 yards for a touchdown with 29 seconds remaining to put the game out of reach.
Despite the loss, Bluefield State's offense produced 424 total yards, including 290 passing yards and 134 rushing yards. The Big Blue also finished with 20 first downs and controlled the clock for 40 minutes and 27 seconds.
Savan Briggs completed 19 of 25 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
Julian Crawley led the receiving corps with six catches for 117 yards and a 76-yard touchdown, while Jeremiah Evans added six receptions for 72 yards.
Tydrez Clements led the ground game with 98 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
Defensively,
Donovan Leaks recorded the game's safety, while
Brian Eashmond contributed four total tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery.
The Big Blue's offensive production was offset by three turnovers, including two fumbles with one loss and one interception.
Final: Bluefield State 30, Livingstone 44
Up Next: Bluefield State @ Virginia Union, Saturday, September 19
th at 6 p.m.
