Ty Reasnor’s 10-yard touchdown run with 2:54 remaining and Cua’ Rose’s interception on the next play from scrimmage propelled Arkansas Tech University to a 28-21 season-opening win over nationally 22nd-ranked Southern Arkansas University at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville on Thursday night.
The Muleriders, preseason favorites to win the 2017 Great American Conference title, had not trailed all night until Reasnor faked a hand-off, ran left and leaped into the end zone to cap an 11-play, 73-yard drive with the go-ahead touchdown.
After Rose intercepted SAU quarterback Barrett Renner’s pass moments later, the Wonder Boys were able to possess the football down to the final two seconds.
The Muleriders got one last try from their own 10-yard line, but Renner’s pass fell incomplete, time expired and Tech extended a streak that has seen the home team win each of the last 10 meetings between the two programs.
Reasnor completed 13-of-23 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns, including a 59-yard strike to Drew Wade that tied the score at 21-21 with 9:46 left in the fourth quarter. He also tossed touchdown passes of 23 yards to Jackob Dean and 35 yards to Justin Bailey.
Seth Culp had 14 tackles to lead the Arkansas Tech defense.
Renner completed 33-of-44 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns.
The Wonder Boys (1-0) will face Henderson State University (1-0) for a 6 p.m. GAC contest at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium in Arkadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 9. Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will have live play-by-play coverage.
