A strong defensive performance and an effective running game fueled Furman's win over in-state and SoCon rival Citadel, Saturday. Paladin RB Jaquan Smith provided the scoring punch in the 2nd half with two TD runs in Furman's 24-14 victory.
The Paladin defense shutout the Bulldogs in the 1st half and Ian Williams had a trio of Field Goals to put Furman up 9-0 at the half. Citadel opened the 2nd half with two TD passes to take a 14-9 lead in the 3rd.
Furman answered with Smith's 1st TD run of the game and got the two point try to make it 17-14 going into the 4th. The Furman defense then forced a turnover on downs and a Citadel punt early in the final frame.
The Paladins then put together a 10 play 80 yard scoring drive capped by Smith's 2nd TD run to make it 24-14 with 3:21 left. The Furman defense then closed it out when LB Raleigh Herbert recovered a Citadel fumble with just over a minute left to preserve the 24-14 win.
Furman is now 5-3 on the season and 3-2 in SoCon play. They host the league leading Mercer Bears on Saturday for a 2PM kickoff. You can hear all the action on The Fan Upstate.