Emari Demercado reacts after a costly 4th-quarter fumble at the goal line erases a potential 27-6 lead and triggers the Cardinals’ collapse against Tennessee.
Former TCU star Emari Demercado reacts to costly fumble that led to Cardinals’ 4th-quarter collapse originally appeared on The Sporting News
For a moment, it looked like Emari Demercado had just delivered the knockout punch. The former TCU running back burst through the middle for what appeared to be a 72-yard touchdown that would have put Arizona up 27-6 early in the fourth quarter. Instead, replay revealed the nightmare, Demercado lost control inches before the goal line. The ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback, Tennessee’s ball, and the start of a stunning 16-point swing that ended in a 22-21 Titans victory.
“I just made a mistake. There’s really no excuse,” Demercado said quietly at his locker. “Obviously emotional…big play. But I just have to be smarter.”
What could have been the defining run of his young career became the defining play of the loss. The Cardinals, once in command, never scored again.
“You can’t dwell on it. There’s nothing I can do about it now. If I keep holding on to it, it’s only going to hurt me more. I just have to learn from it and move forward.”
Another week, another careless goal line ball drop play for a touchback. This time by Cardinals Emari Demercado. It's an epidemic. #BirdGang | #TitanUp | #NFLpic.twitter.com/phbsAgZurN
— The GridIron Geek (@GridIron_Geek_) October 5, 2025
When asked about teammates rallying to his side, Demercado didn’t hesitate. “That’s always huge to know your guys have your back.”
Veteran tackle Paris Johnson Jr. made sure his teammate wasn’t alone on the sideline. “I told him, ‘Wipe it off. Keep going,’” Johnson said. “He’s made countless plays for us. That’s not the moment to get on him.”
Demercado finished with 81 yards on three carries, but the 71-yard run that should have sealed the game instead became the one he’ll never forget.
“You just have to keep it pushing,” he said. “Holding on to it isn’t going to do anything for anybody.”
More College Football News:
Category: General Sports
