Griffin’s touchdown run late in the 4th gives Massachusetts a 27-23 win over William & Mary

Massachusetts rallies to beat William & Mary 27-23

AMHERST, Mass. — John Griffin ran for a 5-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to help Massachusetts defeat William & Mary 27-23 on Saturday.

The Minutemen trailed 23-14 early in the fourth quarter before a long drive pulled them within two. Jonathan Hernandez’s 2-yard touchdown run with 9:40 remaining capped an 11-play, 64-yard drive.

After two straight three-and-outs by William & Mary, Massachusetts took over on its own 17-yard line. The Minutemen faced a third-and-2 in the drive, and Hernandez again came up with a big play. Hernandez caught a 64-yard pass from Kyle Havens, setting up two runs by Griffin, including the game-winning TD with 3:23 to play.

Hernandez finished with 132 yards on 25 carries as Massachusetts won its ninth-straight season opener.

Mike Callahan threw for two touchdowns and 228 yards for the Tribe.