WASHINGTON (AP) _ Backup quarterback Paul Nichols engineered three fourth-quarter scoring drives, and ran for a 10-yard touchdown with 1:08 to go as Davidson upset Georgetown 28-27 Saturday, handing the Hoyas their first loss this season.

Georgetown (5-1, 3-0) had not lost a home game since November 22, 1997. The independent, Division I-AA Wildcats had not beaten a Division I-AA opponent since 1992.

The Wildcats (4-3) trailed 27-7 at the end of three quarters when coach Tim Landis yanked starting quarterback Shaun Tyrance, who failed to ignite Davidson's option-oriented offense.

Davidson scored three times in 13:52, allowing the Hoyas only one offensive play over that span and exploiting a tired defense.

Nichols took over with Davidson at its own 1-yard line and directed a 21-play drive that culminated with a 15-yard run by fullback Eric Ferguson, who gained 125 yards on 22 carries and scored twice.

Davidson botched the ensuing onside kick attempt and the Hoyas began at the visitors' 39-yard line. But on Georgetown's first offensive play, quarterback J.J. Mont was intercepted by Ryan Crawford.

Nichols, who was 7-for-8 for 93 yards, directed a 15-yard, 82-play drive and scored on a 3-yard keeper with 1:51 left to trim Georgetown's lead to 27-21.

Kicker Daniel Hanks then successfully completed an onside kick, with Davidson's Kevin Strange recovering at the Hoyas' 48. Nichols needed only five plays and 48 seconds before scampering for the game-tying score. Hanks' point-after gave the Wildcats their first lead.

Georgetown had a chance to win, but a 52-yard field goal attempt by Paul Wiorowski sailed wide left as time expired.

Mont threw 17- and 30-yard touchdown passes to Gharun Hester and Rob Belli ran for a 1-yard score as the Hoyas built a 20-7 halftime lead. Mont finished 15-for-34 for 209 yards and Hester grabbed seven passes for 114 yards.