A career day for Tyler Riddell wasn’t enough for ETSU on Saturday.
The Bucs dropped a 55-45 decision to Samford on Homecoming at Greene Stadium in Southern Conference action.
Riddell finished the game with 389 passing yards and five touchdowns – both of which were career highs – to lead the Buc offense.
Will Huzzie had eight catches for 128 yards with three touchdowns.
The teams traded shots early as Tyler Keltner hit a 45-yard field goal to open the scoring for the Bucs, and Riddell found Noah West for a 34-yard score, but Samford answered each as the game went to the second tied at 10-10.
After ETSU regained the lead on an 11-yard run from Baron May, the Bulldogs had back-to-back scores to take the lead with eight minutes left in the half.
The Bucs got back on the board with 5:26 left in the half as Riddell and Huzzie connected for a 22-yard score.
Samford, however, ended the half with 10 straight points to take a 34-24 lead into the half.
Samford capitalized on a short field after a failed onside kick with a quick touchdown, but ETSU answered when Riddell and Huzzie connected for a 10-yard score.
Samford pushed the lead back out late in the quarter to take a 48-31 lead into the final 15 minutes.
ETSU, however, wouldn’t go quietly.
The Bucs closed the gap when Riddell found Quin Caballero for a 26-yard score, and ETSU pulled within three points when Ridell and Huzzie connected for a 40-yard score.
The drive was set-up by a three-and-out from the Blue and Gold defense.
ETSU was unable to get back in front as Samford scored late to secure the win.
Isaiah Wilson had seven catches for 122 yards.
The Bucs finished with 513 total offensive yards in the game.
