The Citadel Bulldogs
0
0
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Citadel (2-6, 0-4 SoCon) faltered in the program’s return to Southern Conference play against Tennessee Tech (7-1, 4-1 SoCon), suffering a 28-13 loss to the league-leading Golden Eagles in the second-ever Tangerine Bowl on Saturday afternoon at Sansom Field at Johnson Hagood Stadium.
Final.#FireThoseCannons pic.twitter.com/ik87D1qHL7
— The Citadel Football (@CitadelFootball) October 24, 2026
KEY NOTES
— Tennessee Tech outgained The Citadel via a 387-to-190 margin for the game
— On the ground, The Citadel racked up 181 total yards, falling short of the 200-yard mark for the third consecutive game (vs. ETSU, at Texas A&M)
HC @KoachDrayton spoke postgame w/ the media about the @SoConSports clash against Tennessee Tech ⤵️#FireThoseCannons pic.twitter.com/5Jh4VA0Msg
— The Citadel Football (@CitadelFootball) October 24, 2026
— Nick Billoups paced the group with 74 rushing yards on 10 carries, notably breaking off a 50-yard gash midway through the fourth quarter; Gavin Garcia tallied 58 yards on 14 carries as well while Sebastien Boyle logged 34 yards via 10 attempts
Charleston native JJ Fludd touched base w/ the local media for the first time as a Bulldog following a strong showing against Tennessee Tech ⤵️#FireThoseCannons pic.twitter.com/s6AM7FqHBv
— The Citadel Football (@CitadelFootball) October 24, 2026
— Through the air, Billoups finished 4-of-9 for eight yards while Quentin Hayes managed 1-of-3 passing for one yard
— Defensively, The Citadel surrendered 147 yards on the ground and another 240 yards through the air, notably winning the turnover battle with a pair of forced fumbles — both courtesy of Khaleb Bridges — while also registering the team’s first defensive touchdown of the season via a JJ Fludd 78-yard scoop ‘n score late during the second period
Nick Billoups caught up w/ the media postgame to discuss the loss to Tennessee Tech ⤵️#FireThoseCannons pic.twitter.com/c42NYeYwo1
— The Citadel Football (@CitadelFootball) October 24, 2026
— Individually, Zyion Brown set the tone once again with another double-digit tackle performance, racking up 10.0 for the day; Jalen Wright and Fludd each contributed 7.0 of their own as well; finally, Maurice Bonneau Jr. logged 6.0 tackles for the game, including a solo sack to quash a late drive for the Golden Eagles
Maurice Bonneau Jr. bull rushes his way into the backfield for the first Citadel sack of the day, eliminating the Golden Eagles threat early here in the fourth quarter 🫡
💻: ESPN+ / https://t.co/tzQOHpRPBY
🎙️: 102.1 FM / https://t.co/z21BNXJMes#FireThoseCannons pic.twitter.com/m1ODpqiDOu— The Citadel Football (@CitadelFootball) October 24, 2026
— For the special teams, Jack Weil posted four punts overall, averaging 42.0 per kick; meanwhile, Evan Kiely drilled his only field goal attempt of the day, hitting on a career-long 53-yarder — matched the second longest in program history — to give the Bulldogs an early 3-0 advantage during the opening quarter
NICK BILLOUPS!!!
The QB draw PAYS DIVIDENDS for The Citadel as the fifth-year signalcaller bolts up the middle for a 50-yard gash deep into TTU territory 🫡
💻: ESPN+ / https://t.co/tzQOHpRhMq
🎙️: 102.1 FM / https://t.co/z21BNXJeoU#FireThoseCannons pic.twitter.com/NI1F1H3RAJ— The Citadel Football (@CitadelFootball) October 24, 2026
— Jax Leatherwood recorded a 20-of-25 showing for Tennessee Tech under center, racking up 240 yards and two touchdowns on the day; MJ Flowers found some room on the ground as well, compiling 124 rushing yards for another two scores; for the wideouts, Tre’ Holloway led all receivers with 128 yards on five catches while pulling down both TD receptions for the Golden Eagles
About the Author
