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Cornwall's Big Day Not Enough as Football Falls to Jacksonville

MSU Athletics

Morehead State senior slot receiver Justin Cornwall had a career day but it was not enough as the Morehead State football team came up short with a comeback effort on the road to Jacksonville, 30-26, Saturday afternoon at D.B. Milne Stadium.

Jacksonville, which has won 10 straight now in the series, improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Pioneer Football League. MSU slipped to 2-3 and 1-1 in the conference.

Cornwall had career highs in touchdown receptions and total receptions, finishing the day with 96 yards, on 12 receptions, and three touchdowns. He tied the Morehead State record for touchdowns in a game.

"This was a great game for us, even though we fell short. It felt like we progressed a lot," said Cornwall. "When my number gets called, I go out there and try to make plays. When teams play man against us, we take that opportunity."

The career day by Cornwall was due in part to junior quarterback Austin Gahafer's day, going 32-of-53 through the air, collecting 324 yards and three touchdowns.

"I feel so proud of our guys even though we didn't win," Head Coach Rob Tenyer said. "We did a lot of great things out here today, and for us to make a rally like that and have a chance to win against a team who very well could go undefeated speaks volumes about the improvements in our program."

MSU started the afternoon taking an early first-quarter lead after a nine-play, 72 yard drive, ending with a nine yard touchdown reception by Cornwall. Jacksonville scored 27 straight points until the MSU offense opened up in the third quarter.

After an 11-play, 79-yard drive taking 2:59 off the clock, Gahafer found Cornwall in the middle of the end zone for his second touchdown, putting the Eagles down 27-14 with 7:41 left to go in the third period. Jacksonville answered with a 40-yard field goal, making it 30-14.

Gahafer and Cornwall continued their hot streak for a third touchdown, concluding an eight-play, 80-yard march at the end of the third quarter. MSU added a pair of field goals from sophomore Shavi Bash in the fourth quarter from 41 yards and 32 yards. MSU had chances in the closing minutes, but the defense wasn't able to collect a fumble in the last minute by JU quarterback Kade Bell.

"We had our opportunities, unfortunately we came up a little bit short," Tenyer said.  "Our defense played way too many plays today, but they played great today. We just need to limit the big plays, and we need to eat up more of the clock."

Bell finished 22-of-45 for 351 yards and a pair of scores. Jamal Adjamah rushed for a game-high 163 yards on 14 carries, while Ulysses Bryant added 114 rushing yards as the hosts piled up 655 total yards.

Brandon Louder collected an interception, and the defense had five tackles for loss. MSU is now plus-8 in turnover margin in 2015.

The Eagles will welcome Butler next Saturday at Jayne Stadium for Homecoming at 1 p.m. ET.