Mitchell's kick return, Tisdale's pick-6 lead Eastern Kentucky's 34-20 upset over Austin Peay
RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — T.J. Mitchell III returned a kickoff 100 yards for touchdown, Vito Tisdale added a 19-yard pick-6, and Eastern Kentucky rallied to beat Austin Peay 34-20 on Saturday.
Eastern Kentucky (3-3, 1-1 United Athletic Conference) didn't score an offensive touchdown until 4:33 remaining, when Myles Burkett scored on a quarterback keeper to give the Colonels their first lead.
The Colonels had 68 total yards at halftime and zero rushing yards, but were led by special teams. Mitchell took a kickoff the length of the field with 53 seconds left in the first quarter.
They trailed 17-7 inside the final two minutes of the first half, but a 43-yard field goal from Buzz Flabiano and Tisdale's pick-six knotted things up.
No. 16 in the FCS coaches poll, Austin Peay (4-3, 2-2) retook the lead with an eight-play, 74-yard field goal drive in the span of 60 seconds to end the half.
Flabiano missed a 46-yard field goal, then responded with a career-long 51-yarder later in the third quarter to knot it at 20-20.
The Colonels got a fourth-and-1 stop with 11:11 left in the fourth on a failed keeper from Chris Parson. Their ensuing drive was extended due to a personal foul call on Myles Wiley, and Burkett scored to take the first lead of the game.
Governors receiver Jaden Robinson had eight catches for 145 yards, but dropped a surefire conversion on third-and-11 with 2:59 remaining.
Three plays later, Brady Hensley broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run to double the Colonels' lead.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Kyle Whittingham on Michigan Culture: 'My Culture Is Going to Be With Players'
CFB Betting Report: Action on Standalone Playoff Games Reaching NFL Heights
2026 College Football Transfer Portal Tracker: Who Are the Top Names Expected to Enter?
Michigan QB Bryce Underwood 'Very Excited' To Meet New HC Kyle Whittingham
Michigan Announces Hiring of Utah Legend Kyle Whittingham As New Head Coach
2025 CFP Odds: Best Bet for Indiana-Alabama
Let's Debate: 9 Best College Football Players Entering the Transfer Portal
What's Next: 3 Priorities for New Michigan Football Coach Kyle Whittingham
2025 College Football Bowl Game Odds: Lines, Spreads for Every Game
Kyle Whittingham on Michigan Culture: 'My Culture Is Going to Be With Players'
CFB Betting Report: Action on Standalone Playoff Games Reaching NFL Heights
2026 College Football Transfer Portal Tracker: Who Are the Top Names Expected to Enter?
Michigan QB Bryce Underwood 'Very Excited' To Meet New HC Kyle Whittingham
Michigan Announces Hiring of Utah Legend Kyle Whittingham As New Head Coach
2025 CFP Odds: Best Bet for Indiana-Alabama
Let's Debate: 9 Best College Football Players Entering the Transfer Portal
What's Next: 3 Priorities for New Michigan Football Coach Kyle Whittingham
2025 College Football Bowl Game Odds: Lines, Spreads for Every Game
