Saturday, September 16, 2000

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 16) - East Tennessee State senior quarterback Todd Wells threw for 238 yards and rushed for 108 more in leading the Bucs to a 38-3 Southern Conference win against VMI Sept. 16 at Memorial Center.

Wells gained 108 yards on 18 carries (6.0 yards/attempt) and went 15-of-20 for 238 yards passing to lead East Tennessee State (2-1, 1-0 Southern Conference) in its home opener. VMI (0-3, 0-1 Southern Conference) was held to 123 total yards. The Buc defense stiffled the run, stopping the Keydets at -18 yards.

All five Buccaneer touchdowns came on the ground as ETSU rushed for 343 total yards. ETSU outgained the Keydets 581-123.

ETSU took a 3-0 lead after moving 67 yards on the game's opening drive, finishing with a 24-yard field goal by Con Chellis at 9:26. Six minutes later the Bucs opened their advantage to 10-0 with a nine-yard touchdown scamper from Wells.

Two Corey Carter touchdown runs (1 yard, 12 yards) highlighted the second quarter as the Bucs were ahead 24-0 at halfime.

In the third quarter Terrance Sims scored from five yards out to extend the lead to 31-0. VMI got on the scoreboard with a 42-yard field goal from Matt Maxey at 6:11 of the third quarter.

Wells capped off the game's scoring with a one-yard TD at 10:27 of the final quarter. His touchdown ended a 12-play, 84-yard drive that consumed 5:11.

The Bucs travel to Cullowhee, N.C. on September 23 to take on Southern Conference rival Western Carolina. Game time is 6 p.m.