Kaden Anderson Lifts Tarleton State Over Eastern Kentucky 28-24

Tarleton State Edges Eastern Kentucky 28-24 Behind Late Kaden Anderson Touchdown Pass

Kaden Anderson threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to B.J. Fleming with just 1:54 remaining on the clock, lifting undefeated Tarleton State to a dramatic 28-24 victory over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday night in Stephenville, Texas.

A career-day for Kaden Anderson 🔥 He’s got 16 pass touchdowns over his last four games and now has the sixth most in the FCS on the season! pic.twitter.com/CyrpoxFzsA

— https://x.com/TarletonFB/status/2111877039997235468

The late heroics capped a 14-point fourth-quarter comeback for the Texans. They had entered the matchup top-ranked in the Stats Perform poll for the second straight week.

Eastern Kentucky had claimed a 24-21 advantage with 3:18 left in the game when Brady Hensley broke loose for a 2-yard touchdown run. But Anderson answered almost immediately, engineering a rapid three-play drive that culminated in the game-winning strike to Fleming. EKU subsequently turned the ball over on downs during its final possession, sealing the outcome.

Anderson finished the night completing 18 of 32 passes for 351 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His primary target was Marquis Willis, who hauled in four receptions for 173 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown. Tanner Schmidt added eight catches for 107 yards.

On the ground, Tylan Hines paced Tarleton State with 110 rushing yards on 15 carries. Miequle Brock also contributed to the ground game, breaking away for a 34-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter at the 13:59 mark and finishing with 79 yards rushing.

For Eastern Kentucky (3-6 overall, 2-2 in the United Athletic Conference), Myles Burkett went 11-of-17 passing for 248 yards and threw a touchdown pass. Hensley led the rushing attack with 139 yards on the ground, highlighted by a 63-yard touchdown run, while Jayden West recorded two catches for 105 yards.

The win improves Tarleton State to 9-0 overall and 4-0 in the United Athletic Conference, extending their home record to 13-1 dating back to last season.

Upcoming Schedule for Both Teams

Eastern Kentucky will hit the road next Saturday to face Austin Peay. Meanwhile, Tarleton State returns home to Stephenville to host Abilene Christian.