Early turnovers cost Marauders in loss to No. 4 Kutztown

Saturday, November 2

Millersville, PA

12:00 PM

Millersville University

0-9 , 0-5

Kutztown

9-0 , 6-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Kutztown

Millersville

Early turnovers cost Marauders in loss to No. 4 Kutztown

11/2/2024 2:44:00 PM | Football

Box Score Photo Gallery Photo Gallery 2

By: Ethan Hulsey, Director of Athletic Communications

MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - Millersville became the first team this season to throw a red zone touchdown pass against Kutztown, scored the second-most points of any Kutztown opponent, and broke the Golden Bears' 16-quarter defensive scoreless stretch, but a disastrous start that featured pick-sixes on the first two drives doomed the Marauders from the start of Saturday's 49-17 loss.

Kutztown (9-0, 6-0) had not surrendered an offensive score since Oct. 5 and entered the game ranked second in the nation in scoring and total defense and fourth in turnovers created. That opportunistic style was on full display at Biemesderfer Stadium as they intercepted Millersville quarterbacks four times. On the opening drive, Jalen DeVose intercepted Ryan Zeltt and took it 20 yards for a touchdown. On the very next Millersville drive, Eden Johnson returned an INT 38 yards for a score.

"They are a very good defense and have played exceptionally well all year," said Millersville head coach J.C. Morgan. "It's not an accident that they gave up one touchdown in the month of October and had multiple shutouts. With that being said, the mistakes that we had early in the game could have easily been avoided. That put us behind the eight-ball."

Millersville had three offensive possessions before Kutztown quarterback Judd Novak touched the ball. He needed just two snaps to make it a 21-0 game as he connected with Mekhi Gibson on a 47-yard bomb. Kutztown rolled from there. Novak completed 9-of-10 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 53 yards and another score. With the Golden Bears holding the lead, he did not play in the second half.

Millersville searched for a spark on offense, playing three quarterbacks. Brett Nye took the bulk of the snaps, going 10-of-19 for 54 yards, two interceptions, and two touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 45 yards. Kutztown allowed just three passing touchdowns in the first eight games. Robert Footman Jr., guided Millersville's first touchdown drive before leaving the field after losing his helmet on a run play to the Kutztown 2. He completed 4-of-5 passes on the drive. Nye capped it with a two-yard slant to Kam Taylor. Millersville added a 10-play, 64-yard drive on the next series. Nye connected with Darrion Thomas on second down from the 1. It was the first catch of the season for Thomas and his first career touchdown.

"Guys kept playing," said Morgan. "They didn't lay down. We had guys out there selling out, playing their hearts out, and that's all I can ask of them coming out of the locker room. The first 30 minutes is no acceptable. We have to clean up the mistakes. But I was happy the way they came out and played with pride."

Saturday marked Millersville's final home game of the season. The Marauders travel to Bloomsburg on Nov. 9 and close at Edinboro on Nov. 16.