MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Backup quarterback Christian Burnett was picked off in the end zone and Thomas Price booted a 33-yard field goal in overtime as Faulkner University shocked No. 16 Cumberland University Saturday at the Cramton Bowl with a 20-17 victory over the Bulldogs.

Cumberland starter Curt Bureau was injured on the Bulldogs’ final offensive play of regulation when the Dunlap, Tenn., native was slammed to the turf as he released the ball on a fourth-and-19 pass from the Faulkner 38. Bureau’s helmet flew off when he was hit and his pass attempt sailed over the head of Zack Ducker.

Bureau nearly led Cumberland (5-2, 1-1 Mid-South Conference) to its second straight victory in the final two minutes after Cody McCallister blocked a 39-yard Faulkner field goal attempt. The Bulldogs pounced on the ball and benefitted from a 15-yard penalty, starting the drive at their own 36.

The quarterback then hit Lemeco Miller and Mitch Reynolds on 25- and 12-yard completions, respectively, before throwing back-to-back incomplete passes. On third down, Bureau was sacked by Zach Skipworth setting up the long fourth down play with 34 seconds remaining in regulation.

Bureau finished the game 12-of-31 for 190 yards as the Bulldogs had their five-game winning streak snapped by a team that had never before beaten a ranked team. For his efforts Bureau was named the Music City Star of the Game.

After the turnover on downs, Faulkner ran the clock out, forcing Cumberland’s second overtime game in as many seasons. The Bulldogs dropped a 7-6 decision to Belhaven University last year in Lebanon, Tenn., after the teams went scoreless through four quarters.

The Eagles (3-3, 2-1) won the coin toss in overtime, forcing Cumberland to take the ball first. On the opening play of the extra period, Miller was stopped for a five-yard loss by Raquil Ward, who appeared to be shaken up on the play. After an incomplete pass by Burnett, Ward returned to the game and snagged the ball away from Mike Moore in the end zone to end the Bulldogs’ drive.

Three straight carries by Brandon Cheatham, who set a new school record with 190 rushing yards, set up the game-winning field goal for the Eagles.

Both teams had chances in the second half, but neither found the scoreboard.

Cumberland’s best scoring opportunity after halftime came when Stephon Ransom intercepted Zach Tribble at the 20-yard line two plays after Daniel Dayton muffed an Eagle punt.

Following Ransom’s second interception of the season, the Bulldogs drove down to the Faulkner 14-yard line and were backed up on a three-yard loss before a pair of Bureau passes fell harmlessly to the turf. Beau Baker, who earlier made a 35-yard field goal, missed a 24-yard attempt wide left.

To begin the game, Cumberland fell behind quickly as the Eagles marched down the field in eight plays, covering 61 yards and taking a 7-0 lead on a one-yard touchdown plunge by Cheatham just 2:44 into the game. The Faulkner score was set up by Triston McCathern’s 30-yard carry on a third-and-one.

Following a three-and-out by the Bulldogs, Faulkner took over at its own 32 and wasted no time getting into the red zone as Cheatham took the handoff and was finally dragged down by Allante McLemore at the Cumberland 15 on the first play of the drive. The Bulldog defense stiffened though, allowing just six more yards on the next three plays and forcing a 27-yard field goal.

CU finally started moving the ball on its next possession, picking up at least 14 yards on each of the first three plays, all of which were rushes. Kwamane Howard gained 20 yards, before picking up another 14 and putting in Faulkner territory. The next handoff went to Tim McCord, who carried for 19 yards to the Eagle 14-yard line.

The Bulldogs’ momentum came to a screeching halt on the next play as Howard was stopped behind the line of scrimmage and coughed up the football.

Two plays after Faulkner’s fumble recovery, Cheatham picked up another long gain, taking the ball 34 yards to the Cumberland 47. Again the CU defense was able to keep the Eagles from scoring as Melvin Armstrong sacked Tribble on fourth-and-seven.

A pair of 15-yard runs by Miller put Cumberland on the Faulkner 15. However the Bulldogs were unable to get into the end zone, but Baker connected on a 35-yard field goal to make it a 10-3 game.

After the kickoff, Faulkner drove 80 yards on 14 plays to take the two score lead on a three-yard touchdown pass from Tribble to Deonta Allen with 12:13 remaining in the first half.

The two teams traded punts, CU set up shop at the Faulkner 30 and used seven plays to score as Bureau punched in the one-yard touchdown. The Sequatchie County High School product was intercepted on the Bulldogs’ next drive by Ward.

Following an Eagle punt, Bureau drove the Bulldogs 57 yards on nine plays, culminating with a 20-yard strike to Reynolds in the corner of the end zone, which knotted the game at 17 apiece. The Knoxville, Tenn., native finished with a game-high 75 receiving yards.

Cumberland travels to McKenzie, Tenn., next Saturday to face Bethel University.