Too many turnovers and a disappointing fourth quarter led to a 34-6 loss at Ashland for the Tiffin University Dragons football team Saturday.
The game, which many expected to be an offensive shootout, was largely quiet throughout the first half, with no team scoring until Ashland scored on a 5-yard run at 6:57 of the second quarter to take a 6-0 lead. The Dragons had numerous scoring opportunities in the first half deep in Eagle territory but could not capitalize, with three first half turnovers costing them dearly.
Ashland took another Dragons turnover and posted another touchdown before the halftime break on another 5-yard run with 1:19 to go, giving them a 13-0 halftime edge.
TU answered quickly out of the halftime lockerroom, as Dyshaun Edwards hauled in a 13 yard touchdown pass from Matt Root on fourth down to cap an 8-play, 64 yard drive and bring TU to within 13-6. Ashland responded on their next drive, as quarterback Billy Cundiff passed for a 17-yard touchdown to make the score 20-6 as the third quarter came to a close.
TU then fell apart, as 94 yards in penalties combined with 4 interceptions by Root to lead to more golden opportunities for the Eagles. Ashland scored 14 points in the final quarter, easily putting the game away over the final 15 minutes.
Ashland held the total offense edge 475-372 and also had more first downs 25-18. Root completed 21 of 45 passes for 201 yards, far below his average. Edwards had 4 catches for 67 yards, while Greg Raspberry had 3 catches for 62 yards to lead the offense.