The Aurora University Spartans fell behind 20-0 heading to halftime at Hope College but stormed back but fell in a thrilling NACC-MIAC Challenge 34-32.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Hope College 34, #RV Aurora University 32
LOCATION: Holland, Michigan
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-1; Hope College 2-1
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Hope took the opening kickoff and slowly moved down the field in 5:34 and led 7-0.
- After the first AU possession stalled, Hope held the ball for over eight minutes before scoring to go up 13-0 in the second quarter.
- AU would trail 20-0 heading to halftime.
- The second-half started with Spartan punter Ryan Basden pinning Hope at their own 11 yard line.
- Two plays later the defense forced a turnover with Cole Sinn forcing a fumble that Keion Adams jumped on.
- And two plays later, Gavin Zimbelman connected with Jacolby Maxwell from three yards out and AU trailed 20-7.
- The defense then forced a three and out to give the offense the ball back.
- Seven plays and 75 yards later, Zimbleman connected with Brock Harner and AU trailed 20-13 after the extra point was blocked.
- Just before the third quarter ended, Hope scored to build their lead to 27-13.
- On the ensuing possession, Zimbelman found Travys Davis on the 10th play of the drive from seven yards out and AU trailed 27-19 following a missed two-point conversion try.
- Again the defense stopped Hope on a three and out to get the now firing offense back on the field.
- Eight plays and 64 yards later, AU scored on a Tyran Bailey one yard plunge. With a failed two-point conversion try, AU trailed 27-25 midway through the fourth quarter.
- Late in the fourth, Hope had a fourth down deep in AU territory. With the quarterback being hurried, he flipped a pass that was caught by a diving receiver and Hope now led 34-25 with just over a minute left in the game.
- But the fight in the Spartans was not done as they went to the bag of tricks. On the first play, Zimbelman hit Jewell who quickly flipped the ball to a streaking Maxwell for a combined 67 yards and AU was within two at 34-32.
- Hope was able to recover the following on-side kick.
- AU fell in an exciting contest 34-32.
 
FOR THE SPARTANS                                                     
- Gavin Zimbelman was 27-of-39 passing for 333 yards and four touchdowns
- Jacolby Maxwell caught seven passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
- Brock Harner caught four passes for 67 yards and one touchdown.
- Tyran Bailey had 14 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown while also catching four passes for 21 yards.
- AU out-scored Hope 32-14 in the second-half.

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Rushing:
 - Carries: Tyran Bailey (14)
 - Yards: Tyran Bailey (67)
 - Touchdowns: Tyran Bailey (1)
Passing:
- Gavin Zimbelman (27-of-39 for 333 yards and four touchdowns)
Receiving:
 - Catches: Jacolby Maxwell (7)
 - Yards:  Jacolby Maxwell (109)
 - Touchdowns: Jacolby Maxwell (2)
Defense:
- Tackles: Casey Dycus (10) and Frankie Gordey (8)
- Fumble Recovery: Keion Adams (1)
- Forced Fumble: Cole Sinn (1)
 
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