LEXINGTON, Va. (AP) — Eric Rankin’s strip-sack and run set up JoJo Crump’s rushing touchdown for what proved to be the winning points as VMI beat Furman 21-17 on Saturday for the Keydets’ first win this season.
Rankin sacked Trey Hedden, picked up the ball at Furman 40 and returned the fumble down to the 4-yard line — having to snag the ball again in midair after it was knocked loose. Two plays later Crump made it 21-10 late in the first half.
Furman had three turnovers and twice turned the ball over on downs deep in VMI territory in the second half. They outgained VMI 412-177 and had 26 first downs to VMI’s nine.
Hunter Rice’s 2-yard run capped a seven-play, 75-yard drive earlier in the second quarter to give the Keydets (1-8, 1-4 Southern Conference) a 14-10 lead.
Chandler Wilson’s 17-yard TD pass to Ethen Horne early the game accounted for VMI’s other points.
Furman (2-6, 1-3) cut VMI’s lead to four points late in the third quarter with Carson Jones’ 4-yard pass to Brock Chappell. A final drive ended on Shamus Jones’ interception.
Hedden and Colton Hinton connected for a 43-yard TD pass and Ian Williams kicked a field goal for Furman’s first-half points.
Gavin Hall rushed for 121 yards on 13 carries for Furman.
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