RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky had always topped the Texans, but Tarleton State Football flipped the script and dominated the second half to pick up a 31-7 win over EKU Saturday at Roy Kidd Stadium for its ninth straight win in 2025.
The Texans picked up their first win over EKU since joining the United Athletic Conference. Tarleton State’s ninth straight win continues the longest win streak in the Division I era. The win also snapped EKU’s 10-game winning streak at home dating back to 2023.
Senior quarterbacks Victor Gabalis and Daniel Greek combined for three touchdowns in Tarleton State’s win. Gabalis completed 18-of-27 passes for 207 yards to go with a touchdown pass, while Greek scored two rushing touchdowns. Sophomore James Paige added to the run game’s scoring with a touchdown to go with 47 yards. Junior Cody Jackson led the Texans’ receiving core with 94 yards off 6 receptions.
“We just kept playing,” head coach Todd Whitten said. “We made a few mistakes in the first half, but got some turnovers in the second half. It’s a four-quarter deal. Our guys have been good at playing complete games. We talk about that every day and I’m really proud of them.”
Just like any EKU-Tarleton State football game, the clash began as a tightly contested contest. After forcing EKU to punt on its first two drives, Tarleton State took the advantage on its second drive of the afternoon.
A 28-yard pass from Gabalis to senior wide receiver Trevon West put the Texans in the red zone on the drive’s very first play. The reception allowed the Texans to march their way to the end zone, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown by Greek.
Two EKU passes allowed the Colonels to get in the red zone entering the second quarter, getting to the Texans’ 3 yard line. Despite a third down stop, the Texans were called for a roughing the passer penalty that gave the Colonels a fresh set of downs. EKU capitalized, tying the score off a 2-yard run on the next play.
Tarleton State took the lead thanks to a 42-yard field goal from junior Corbin Poston with just under 10 minutes left in the first half. An interception from senior defensive back Kasyus Kurns to go with two punts held the EKU offense at bay going into the locker room.
As soon as the Texans came out of halftime, they turned it into a runaway game at the derby in Kentucky.
The Texans opened the second half by driving down the field with ease. Paige extended the lead with a 1-yard touchdown, making it a 10-point game.
EKU looked to spoil the Texans’ second offensive drive after a sack, but Gabalis had other plans. The senior quarterback ran for 19 yards on the next play before finding senior wide receiver T’iar Young in the end zone.
After the defense forced and recovered a fumble, Greek capped off the Texans’ third offensive drive of the half with his second touchdown of the day. Tarleton State ended the third quarter outscoring EKU 21-0 to take a commanding lead going into overtime in the final 15 minutes.
Senior defensive lineman Brandon Tolvert kept the second half shutout alive by recovering an EKU fumble on the Colonels’ opening drive of the fourth quarter. EKU was unable to get a score in the second half, with senior defensive back Hagan Stephenson capping off the Colonels’ final drive with an interception returned for 83 yards as time expired.
Tarleton State will play its last regular season game Nov. 1 with the I-20 rivalry at Abilene Christian. The Texans hold a one-game lead over the Wildcats in the UAC standings. Tarleton State has sections available for fans to purchase tickets in 109-110, along with sections 209-211. Tarleton State invites Texan Nation to purchase tickets for the game using this link to sit in a Tarleton State section: https://tickets.acusports.com/event/6748050bc7a5a0020aa55252/68c1da9818faafa2a983645b
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