Troy University Athletics
Leggassey’s Heroics Push Troy Past EKU
10/17/2020 6:46:00 PM | Football
TROY, Ala. -- Behind a career-best 47-yard field goal off the right-foot of kicker Evan Legassy as time expired, Troy defeated Eastern Kentucky, 31-29, Saturday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The kick, which occurred after the Colonels took a 29-28 lead with 21 seconds left, was made possible by a three-play, 30-yard drive that began after a Reggie Todd 35-yard kick return.
After setting up shop at their own 40-yard line, quarterback Gunnar Watson connected with Kaylon Geiger for a 15-yard pitch-and-catch that advanced the ball into EKU (1-4) territory with seven ticks remaining.
Following the Trojans (3-1) first called timeout of the half, Watson connected with Khalil McClain for another 15-yard connection. After catching the ball at the Colonels 40-yard line, McClain alertly dove forward to the 30 with two seconds left.
After head coach Chip Lindsey's second time out of the half, the Trojans set up for what proved to be the game-winner. The field goal was the first game-winning field goal with less than one minute to play since Will Brooks hit a 30-yarder against UAB in 2013 (Aug. 31).
For the afternoon, Watson completed 26-of-38 passes for 333 yards and three scores. Geiger also impressed, catching seven passes for 100 yards. It was his seventh-career 100-yard game, moving him into solo third-place on the all-time Troy list.
On the ground, true freshman Kimani Vidal rushed for 143 yards on just 13 rushes. The output was his second consecutive game with at least 100 yards rushing, making him the first true freshman to rush for 100 yards in back-to-back contests in school history.
Parker McKinney led the Eastern Kentucky offense, connecting on 30-of-47 passes for 370 yards and a pair of scorers. Redshirt-senior Keyion Dixon caught eight passes for 196 yards and both of McKinney's scorers. The first score was a 90-yard connection, and the second was the score with 21 seconds to play.
Troy closes out its three-game homestand next weekend when Georgia State visits The Vet for homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. central and will be televised on ESPNU.
Complete reaction including comments from head coach Chip Lindsey to follow.
The kick, which occurred after the Colonels took a 29-28 lead with 21 seconds left, was made possible by a three-play, 30-yard drive that began after a Reggie Todd 35-yard kick return.
After setting up shop at their own 40-yard line, quarterback Gunnar Watson connected with Kaylon Geiger for a 15-yard pitch-and-catch that advanced the ball into EKU (1-4) territory with seven ticks remaining.
Following the Trojans (3-1) first called timeout of the half, Watson connected with Khalil McClain for another 15-yard connection. After catching the ball at the Colonels 40-yard line, McClain alertly dove forward to the 30 with two seconds left.
After head coach Chip Lindsey's second time out of the half, the Trojans set up for what proved to be the game-winner. The field goal was the first game-winning field goal with less than one minute to play since Will Brooks hit a 30-yarder against UAB in 2013 (Aug. 31).
For the afternoon, Watson completed 26-of-38 passes for 333 yards and three scores. Geiger also impressed, catching seven passes for 100 yards. It was his seventh-career 100-yard game, moving him into solo third-place on the all-time Troy list.
On the ground, true freshman Kimani Vidal rushed for 143 yards on just 13 rushes. The output was his second consecutive game with at least 100 yards rushing, making him the first true freshman to rush for 100 yards in back-to-back contests in school history.
Parker McKinney led the Eastern Kentucky offense, connecting on 30-of-47 passes for 370 yards and a pair of scorers. Redshirt-senior Keyion Dixon caught eight passes for 196 yards and both of McKinney's scorers. The first score was a 90-yard connection, and the second was the score with 21 seconds to play.
Troy closes out its three-game homestand next weekend when Georgia State visits The Vet for homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. central and will be televised on ESPNU.
Complete reaction including comments from head coach Chip Lindsey to follow.
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