Arkansas Tech University turned to its defense to end a four-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon.
The Wonder Boys (3-6) defeated Southeastern Oklahoma State University 10-6 at Paul Laird Field in Durant, Okla., to earn their first road win over the Savage Storm since Sept. 5, 1992.
Tech’s win snapped a streak of eight consecutive home team victories in the series between the two programs.
Arkansas Tech dominated field position during the opening two quarters and took a 7-0 lead to halftime.
Southeastern Oklahoma State (5-4) had seven possessions in the first half. Five of them started at its own 7-yard line or worse. The Wonder Boys’ defense took advantage, limiting the Savage Storm to five first downs and 69 yards of total offense through two periods of play.
The lone scoring play of the first half was a 12-yard touchdown pass from Manny Harris to Tremel Glasper with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter. Tyler Dunlop added the extra point to give Tech a 7-0 edge.
The Wonder Boys had a chance to add to their lead on the final play of the first half, but Dunlop’s 52-yard field goal try hit the cross bar and fell inches short. It would have matched the longest field goal in ATU history.
Field goals were the story in the second half. Southeastern’s Joel Carlos connected on tries of 44 and 33 yards, while Dunlop made a 21-yard attempt.
The Savage Storm had an opportunity to drive for a winning score on the final possession of the day, but the Arkansas Tech defense forced an incomplete pass on fourth-and-7 from the Wonder Boys’ 28-yard line with 40 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Tech’s Harris completed 17-of-28 passes for 156 yards.
Bryan Allen carried 15 times for 47 yards, giving him 3,419 career rushing yards. He moved in to second place on ATU’s career rushing list, surpassing Eddie Meador (3,410 career rushing yards, 1955-58).
C.J. Johnson and Gio Williams led the Tech defense with eight tackles apiece.
The Wonder Boys will play their final home game of the 2018 season on Saturday, Nov. 3. The opponent will be East Central University. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
