ETAMU Misses Late TD Opportunity as No. 17/21 Mercer Holds Off Lions, 23-15

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — East Texas A&M Football erased a 23-point halftime deficit and nearly completed a remarkable comeback Saturday night, but a fourth-down pass fell incomplete in the final minute as No. 17/21 Mercer escaped with a 23-15 victory at Memorial Stadium.

East Texas A&M finally broke through with 6:47 remaining in the third quarter when Eric Rodriguez connected with Micah Simpson on a 48-yard touchdown pass on fourth down.

The Lions cut further into the deficit with 11:10 remaining in the fourth quarter when Quay Middlebrooks scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Rodriguez then ran for the two-point conversion, pulling ETAMU within one possession at 23-15.

The Lions’ defense kept the comeback alive, holding Mercer scoreless throughout the second half.

With less than a minute remaining, East Texas A&M drove to the Mercer 5-yard line with a chance to tie the game. On fourth-and-goal, Rodriguez’s pass sailed just beyond the reach of the intended receiver, ending the Lions’ comeback bid.

Rodriguez finished 15-of-31 passing for a touchdown and three interceptions. Simpson had nine targets and finished with 165 receiving yards.

Orion Kupu led the Lions with eight tackles, while Jamari Mosley and Tramar Gilbert each recorded seven.

The loss drops East Texas A&M to 0-1 to open the season.

The Lions return to action next Saturday at defending Southland Conference champion Stephen F. Austin.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Nacogdoches.