ETSU traveled south to take on the Samford Bulldogs in the Bucs’ SoCon opener. The Buccaneers held tough through the first half, but Samford was able to pull away in the second, beating the Bucs 42-28.

The first half was an offensive shootout, with ETSU and Samford trading shots downfield. Samford started to gain an edge in the second quarter, but then ETSU cornerback Sheldon Arnold II (Loganville, Ga.) came up with a clutch interception with just 2:15 left in the first half. The Bucs converted on Arnold’s pick by driving down the field for a touchdown.

Arnold II finished the game with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and seven tackles.

Although ETSU lost the game, they showed flashes of what we could expect from them going forward.

In addition to Arnold II’s outstanding performance, Bryson Irby (Douglasville, Ga.) had himself a fantastic game, rushing for 126 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries. Both of which are career highs for the junior running back.

Bryson Irby advances the 30 yard line. (Contributed/ETSU Athletics)

Bucs wide receiver Tommy Winton III (Knoxville, Tenn.) got his number called and made a great contested catch for 34 yards. From the 2022 class, Winton committed to ETSU as a 3-star recruit coming out of Knoxville Catholic HS.

Linebacker Zach West (Boone, N.C.) recovered a late-game fumble partially due to a muffed snap.

Despite all the turnovers, Samford’s offense found ways to move the chains. Samford QB Michael Hiers threw for 399 yards, completing 42/50. The running game was propelled by running back Jay Stanton, rushing for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.

This offensive production helped Samford win the battle of possession. Samford held onto the ball for over 20 minutes in the second half, while ETSU only had nine minutes of possession.

ETSU will return to Johnson City, facing off against the Mercer Bears (3-2) on Oct. 7. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.

For more information about ETSU football, visit the ETSU football website.

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