Terranova's three inteceptions help Olivet College football team beat Tri-State, 21-14

Junior Michael Terranova (Lansing/Catholic Central) returned two interceptions for touchdowns, sophomore Pat Clasgens (Livonia/Stevenson) ran for 179 yards, as the Olivet College football team defeated Tri-State (Ind.) University, 21-14, this afternoon before 3,555 Homecoming fans at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. With the win, the Comets have a 4-3 overall record and remained tied for first-place in the MIAA with a 4-0 record. TSU slips to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in league play.

After an Olivet field goal attempt was blocked, TSU took possession at its own 20. On first down, the running back was tackled for a two-yard loss and on second down, Eric Watt was sacked for a loss of four yards. On third down, Terranova intercepted Watt's pass at the TSU 23 and returned it for a touchdown. Junior Kyle Zabel (Sturgis) made the PAT kick with 46 seconds left in the first quarter.

A 52-yard punt by freshman Ryan Patten (Charlotte) was downed at the Thunder 3. Watt's first pass attempt of the drive was incomplete. On second down, Terranova stepped in front of the pass and returned the interception four yards for a touchdown. Zabel's PAT kick split through the uprights and Olivet led 14-0 midway through the first half.

The score remained 14-0 after three quarters of play. Tri-State cuts its deficit in half on a 12-play, 73-yard scoring drive, which spanned the end of the third and beginning of the fourth quarter. Jeff Langley scored from five yards out and Justin Hoover converted the PAT kick.

Olivet quickly answered on the ensuing possession, as Clasgens scampered his way 69 yards down the Comet sideline for a touchdown. Zabel's PAT kick put Olivet back up 14 points, 21-7, with 13:30 remaining on the clock. TSU made the score 21-14 on its second series of the final quarter. Watt connected with Tory Hirschy for an 11-yard touchdown pass, and Hoover's PAT kick.

The Thunder had two more possessions to possibly tie the game, but the Comet defense stopped them both times on fourth down.

For the game, Olivet had 275 yards of total offense. Clasgens needed 30 carries to get his 179 yards. Sophomore fullback Sean Misko (Casco/Richmond) had 11 rushes for 37 yards. Senior Rob White (Caledonia/South Christian) completed 10-of-14 passes for 53 yards. Senior Chris Smith (Dimondale/Holt) had six receptions for 29 yards.

Defensively, senior DeRan Thomas (Detroit/H.W. Notre Dame) finished with 15 tackles, including three for minus 10 yards. Junior Hakeem Yakubu (Kalamazoo/Central) had 11 tackles. Senior Nate Hughes (Marshall) was third with 10 total tackles (seven solo), including two quarterback sacks. Terranova had three interceptions to tie the Olivet single-game record.

Tri-State had 233 yards of offense. Lucas Rosengartern carried the ball 14 times for 49 yards. He was also the top receiver with eight catches for 42 yards. Watt was 19-of-38 for 156 yards with three interceptions and one touchdown. Matt Eby and Courtney Pearson each had 16 tackles to lead the Thunder defense.

The Comets will travel to play Alma College next Saturday, Oct. 27. Kickoff from Bahlke Field is 1 p.m.