CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — On Saturday, Chase Artopoeus showcased his impressive skills by throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for another as he guided Chattanooga to a 24-17 triumph against Austin Peay in their nonconference regular-season finale.

Chattanooga (7-5) established an early lead of 10-0 in the first quarter, thanks to Jude Kelley’s 28-yard field goal and Artopoeus’ 9-yard touchdown pass to Javin Whatley just 42 seconds before the end of the period. This score came after a key interception by Alex Mitchell, who intercepted an Austin Smith pass, setting up the Mocs at the Governors’ 26-yard line.

In the second quarter, Austin Peay countered, capitalizing on a turnover from Chattanooga. Ellis Ellis Jr. made a crucial interception of Artopoeus, giving the Governors possession at the Mocs’ 30-yard line. From there, Smith connected on three consecutive passes, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Barnes, which brought Austin Peay within three points. Carson Smith then netted a 35-yard field goal to equalize the score at 10.

Chattanooga recaptured the lead with 4:01 remaining in the third quarter when Artopoeus finished off a nine-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown rush.

In the final quarter, Smith executed a 23-yard touchdown run, closing the gap for Austin Peay to within seven points at 24-17 with 8:08 to play. The Governors managed a drive into the Mocs’ territory, reaching the 30-yard line, but Smith’s fourth-down attempt wound up incomplete with just 41 seconds left.

For Chattanooga, Artopoeus completed 15 of 21 attempts for a total of 161 yards. He also delivered a 7-yard touchdown pass to John McIntyre early in the last quarter, extending their lead to 24-10. On the other side, Smith finished his day with 192 yards, going 21 for 36 passing for Austin Peay, which concluded its inaugural season under head coach Jeff Faris with a record of 4-8.

Rusty Wright also made history, as he became the first Chattanooga coach to finish .500 or better in each of his first six seasons. Notably, Chattanooga ended Austin Peay’s nine-game winning streak last season with a narrow 24-21 victory on the road to finish their regular season.