The University of Sioux Falls was handed their second loss of the season 52-17 Saturday night by AFCA No.2 powerhouse Northwest Missouri State University(NWMO). After an early deficit, the Bearcats depth and experience proved to be the difference in a blowout win.
Early on USF showed fans they could compete with one of the nation's premier football programs. The night's first score came by field goal, when the Bearcats capitalized on a Carrington Hanna interception deep in NWMO territory to go ahead 3-0 with 9:04 left in the first quarter. On their next possession, USF answered and claimed the first touchdown of the game. Junior quarterback Hanna found his favorite target junior wide receiver Jeremiah Oates for a 29 yard score. The touchdown marked USF's first lead of the season as they went up 7-3. After trading possessions, Bearcat quarterback Blake Christopher hit freshman Kyle Goodburn on a 47 yard touchdown pass to end the first quarter and take the lead 10-7.
The last second touchdown swung the momentum to the Bearcat sideline and carried over into the second quarter where the Cougars were outscored 28 to 3. NWMO scores came through the air and on the ground. Junior running back Jordan Simmons found the end zone twice in the second quarter, scoring on 4 and 12 yard touchdown runs. Bearcat quarterback Christopher was responsible for two more scores, a 52 yard passing touchdown and a four yard rushing touchdown.
To begin the third quarter, the Bearcats picked up right where they left off. In their opening drive, Christopher found senior tight end Kyle Kilgore for a 51 yard grab and his third passing touchdown of the game.
USF showed some life in the fourth quarter, where junior quarterback Taylor Perkins threw a 40 yard strike to senior Tony Benedetto to make the score 45 -17.
USF Special teams proved to be a bright point in the loss. Senior Michael Hicks tallied 125 yards on only 4 kick returns.
Junior safety Robert Virgil led the Cougar defense with 10 tackles, Matt White followed with eight.
In his second career start at quarterback, Hanna went 11 of 27 for 137 passing yards and two interceptions, while rushing for 47 yards.
USF, 0-2, will travel to Lake Charles, La. to take on Division I-AA power McNeese State University Saturday September 17th.
