Tarleton State recovers fumbles on back-to-back kickoffs in the fourth to beat Central Arkansas

Nov 23, 2024, 08:28 pm

STEPHENVILLE, Texas -- — Victor Gabalis threw for 245 yards and four touchdowns, Kayvon Britten rushed for 154 yards and a score and Tarleton State recovered fumbles on back-to-back kickoffs in the fourth quarter to help beat Central Arkansas 39-14 on Saturday.

Tarleton State (9-3, 6-2) has the most wins in its Division I era. The nine wins mark coach Todd Whitten’s fifth time reaching nine wins at Tarleton in his 15 seasons at the helm. Tarleton awaits the FCS selection show on Sunday for an at-large bid.

Central Arkansas (6-6, 3-5) has lost four straight for its longest single-season skid since the 2009 season.

Steve Albert Jr. secured a third-quarter turnover when he intercepted a pass deep in Central Arkansas' territory with 23 seconds left. Tarleton made it 29-14 just 71 seconds later when Darius Cooper caught the first of two 22-yard touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Tarleton booted the kickoff high into the air and a miscommunication by the returners led to a Texan recovery. It led to a 22-yard field goal before the next kickoff was fumbled after a hard hit.

Caleb Koger was intercepted two times for Central Arkansas. ShunDerrick Powell gained 100 yards on 11 carries, including a touchdown.

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