#5 Bethel Runs Past #7 UVa-Wise

September 29, 2007
Game Stats

McKenzie, Tenn. -- The running back duo of Adrian Smith and Terrance Bell helped the fifth-ranked Bethel College offense run past seventh-ranked UVa-Wise. The pair of backs ran for 315 combined yards and five scores as the Wildcats’ team rushed for 360 yards in a 66-48 victory.

UVa-Wise scored the game's opening points when Ra'Shad Morgan ran in from five yards five minutes into the first quarter. The touchdown proved to be the Cavs' lone lead of the game as Bethel rattled off the next 30 points to open a 30-6 lead.

QB Randy Hippeard passed for 309 yards and 3 TDs to become just the 2nd Cavs’ passer to reach 6,000 career yards passing (6,272). He also rush for a 2-yard score. Morgan rushed for 149 yards on 24 carries and 3 scores. Matt Barbour hauled in 102 on 3 catches. Aric Evans pulled in a 65-yard TD while having 3 receptions for 85 yards. Jason Lovett grabbed 7 passes for 69 yards and 2 scores.

On special teams, Brandon Moore produced 132 yards on 6 returns to become the career leader in the category (1,235 yds). James Haley had his highest tackle total in 2 years with 10 while Ben Robertson added 9. Josh Spurlock picked off his third pass in as many games.

The visiting team battled back from down 30-6 to end the first half strong. Hippeard hit Lovett from 9 yards and Morgan ran in from 2 yards to make the contest 30-18 at intermission.

The Cavs kept the momentum going to begin the 3rd quarter. Hippeard found Lovett for a 2nd time with this one from 12 yards for a 30-26 tally. After an answering score by Bethel, Hippeard fired deep down the left side line to Evans for a 65-yard strike for a 37-34 score with 5:58 remaining in the third frame.

As it seemed to have all day long, Bethel had the answer for UVa-Wise. The home team put together the next two scoring drives and three of the next four to put go bach in front by 17 points two times with the second at 59-42.

Morgan scored one final time with 8:20 in the contest for a 59-48 game but was too little as Bethel went on a back-breaking six minute touchdown drive for the final points, 66-48.