The third quarter proved to be the difference as the University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team dropped a narrow 38-26 decision to the No. 6 nationally ranked Carleton Ravens on Saturday, September 22 at Varsity Stadium.

The Blues led 19-10 at halftime, but the Ravens responded with a 16-0 third-quarter shut out to take the lead for good.

WATCH: Football Head Coach Greg Marshall's post-game thoughts on the Blues battle against the No. 6 @CURavens | @UofT @UofTKPE @OUAsport @USPORTSca pic.twitter.com/MsJcQEJGvn

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) September 22, 2018

TORONTO STATS:

Third-year Blues quarterback Clay Sequeira went 12-for-24 for 173 yards and one touchdown.

Three sophomore receivers shone on the day. Daniel Diodati made six catches for 25 yards, while rushing once for five yards and one touchdown and making five punt returns for 128 yards, including a 99-yard return for a touchdown. Will Corby made four receptions for 95 yards, while Nolan Lovegrove hauled in three for 47 yards and his first career touchdown.

Fourth-year defensive back Damoy Robinson led all players with eight tackles, while forcing and recovering one fumble. Third-year free safey Jamal Johnson notched seven tackles in the loss.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Down 10-3 at the start of the second quarter, the Blues put on the pressure. After Carleton conceded a safety, Lovegrove capped off a seven-play, 76-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown reception, his first career major, to put the Blues ahead, 12-10.

FB: TORONTO TOUCHDOWN!!! Clay Sequeira connects with Nolan Lovegrove to give Toronto the 12-10 lead over the No. 6 @CURavens! #WeAreTO @UofTBluesFB @OUAsport @USPORTSca @USPORTS_FB @UofT pic.twitter.com/mPmPn9KrMs

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) September 22, 2018

Three minutes later, Robinson forced and recovered a fumble deep in Ravens territory to set up a five-yard rushing TD by Diodati. Toronto led 19-10 at halftime.

FB: TORONTO TOUCHDOWN! After the D force the fumble, Daniel Diodati finishes it off! Blues lead the No. 6 @CURavens 19-10 with 1:55 to go in the first half. @UofT @UofTKPE @OUAsport @USPORTS_FB @UofTBluesFB pic.twitter.com/G1hgPK8Qzg

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) September 22, 2018

The Ravens used a 16-0 third quarter to complete their comeback, forcing Toronto to concede a safety, kicking one of their five field goals, and adding a two-yard rushing major and 27-yard touchdown reception to take a 26-19 lead into the fourth. After Ravens kicker Mike Domagala added two field goals, Diodati wowed the crowd with a beautiful 99-yard punt return for the touchdown with 5:56 remaining. Carleton added two more field goals to round out the scoring.

FB: TORONTO TOUCHDOWN! Daniel Diodati with a 99-yard punt return for his second major of the day! The Blues trail the @CURavens 32-26 with 5:56 to go!@UofT @OUAsport @USPORTSca @USPORTS_FB @UofTBluesFB pic.twitter.com/VEAMufp3Gy

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) September 22, 2018

UP NEXT: The Blues travel to Windsor, Ont., next Saturday, September 29 to take on the Lancers. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.

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