CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - A trio of second half turnovers proved costly in Austin Peay State University's football team lost to Tennessee Tech, 34-21, Saturday afternoon, in Ohio Valley Conference action at Governors Stadium.

Trailing 24-14 in the third quarter, the Govs (2-3, 1-1 OVC) lost fumbles on successive possessions. The first miscue came after senior return specialist Terrence Holt had the ball the ball stripped on a kickoff return and handed Tennessee Tech the ball on the Austin Peay 26-yard line. The Golden Eagles (2-4, 1-2 OVC) needed six plays to add a field goal, pushing its advantage to 13 points, 27-14, with four minutes remaining in the quarter.

Austin Peay's second turnover proved even more costly as it short-circuited a promising drive. After covering 55 yards in nine plays, senior running back Ryan White had the ball stripped at the Tennessee Tech six-yard line. The Govs defense held the Golden Eagles to minus-one yard and forced a short punt. The Govs capitalized on the short field, with Holt bursting through the line for a 28-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-21.

After Tennessee Tech scored a touchdown on its next possession, the Govs saw their final drive stopped on a pass interception by sophomore quarterback Jake Ryan.

Austin Peay showed the rust of the two weeks since its last contest, trailing 14-0 after the first quarter. Tennessee Tech pushed the lead to 21-0 before Austin Peay scored its first touchdown - a five-yard pass from Ryan to Devin Stark with 1:03 remaining in the period and would trail 21-7 at halftime.

Ryan completed 17-of-25 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Govs who amassed 268 yards total offense. The Govs did not have a 100-yard rusher for the second consecutive game.

Tre Lamb led Tennessee Tech with an 11-for-17 passing performance for 162 yards. Tim Benford caught three of those passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Jocques Crawford rushed for a pair of touchdowns.

The loss spoiled Austin Peay's homecoming and it also was the Govs first in the 2010 Sergeant York Trophy series. The Govs are 1-1 in the series among the OVC's Tennessee teams. Tennessee Tech also is 1-1 in the York Trophy series.  

Austin Peay returns to action with a 6 p.m., Saturday, OVC contest against Southeast Missouri.

- AP -