Citadel wins 35-24 after 4th quarter comeback

CHARLESTON, S.C. – In a stunning display of grit and determination, The Citadel Bulldogs orchestrated an improbable comeback Saturday afternoon, overcoming a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat bitter rival VMI 35-24 at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Quarterback Quentin Hayes was the undeniable catalyst, igniting an offense that scored 28 unanswered points in the final 15 minutes of the annual “Military Classic of the South.”

The Keydets of VMI appeared to have the game locked up, leading 24-7 as the third quarter drew to a close. VMI quarterback Collin Shannon had managed the game effectively, and running back Hunter Rice had powered the Keydets’ offense for much of the contest, contributing to a comfortable lead built on solid defense and opportune scoring. Rice had several key runs that kept drives alive, and VMI’s defense held The Citadel in check for three quarters.

However, the Bulldogs, under head coach Brent Thompson, refused to yield. The momentum swung dramatically with the start of the final quarter, transforming what looked like a sure VMI victory into one of the most memorable finishes in the storied rivalry.

Hayes, The Citadel’s junior signal-caller, took over. He first broke through the VMI defense with a powerful 30-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 24-14 and injecting a jolt of energy into the home crowd. After a quick defensive stop, Hayes then showcased his arm, delivering a precise 20-yard touchdown pass that further trimmed VMI’s lead to a precarious 24-21 with just over seven minutes remaining.

The Bulldogs’ ground game, a hallmark of their triple-option attack, became unstoppable. The Citadel amassed an impressive 380 total rushing yards by the end of the day. Hayes completed the hat-trick of his individual scoring contributions with his second rushing touchdown of the quarter, a determined 5-yard plunge that finally put The Citadel ahead 28-24. The stadium erupted as the Bulldogs seized their first lead of the game with just under three minutes on the clock.

VMI, now reeling, desperately tried to respond on their subsequent possession. But the relentless Bulldogs’ defense delivered the final blow. A critical interception, returned for a touchdown by a Citadel defensive back, sealed VMI’s fate and extended The Citadel’s lead to 35-24, igniting a jubilant celebration among the home faithful.

Hayes finished the day with 112 rushing yards on a variety of carries and runs, complementing his 75 passing yards. His composure and playmaking in the clutch were the defining factors in the Bulldogs’ remarkable turnaround.

“We knew we had it in us,” Hayes said after the game. “The coaches kept telling us to keep fighting, and the O-line just opened up huge holes. This win, especially against VMI, means everything.”

Coach Thompson praised his team’s resilience. “That’s The Citadel football, right there. We preach ‘fight to the finish,’ and our guys exemplified that today. Quentin was phenomenal, but it was a total team effort to shut them out in the fourth quarter and put up those points.”

VMI head coach Danny Worel expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to close out the game. “We played three great quarters of football, but you have to play four, especially in a rivalry game like this. We let the momentum get away from us, and The Citadel capitalized on every opportunity. Credit to them for sticking with it.”

The victory improves The Citadel’s season record and provides a significant boost in Southern Conference play, while VMI will look to regroup after a disheartening collapse. The Bulldogs will carry this momentum into their next matchup, while the Keydets will aim to learn from the dramatic loss.

For official game statistics and more information, visit The Citadel athletics website at citadelsports.com or the Southern Conference at SoConSports.com.