Box Score | Defensive Stats | Offensive Stats

Bolivar, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist University football defense buckled down over the second half of the opening game on Thursday night against Truman State, but the Bearcats fell to the Bulldogs 14-24. The SBU defense had two interceptions and one forced fumble in the loss.

Truman State jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after the first quarter and pushed their lead to 14-0 going into the half. However the Bearcats would not give up after going down 21-0 early in the third quarter. Dan Connors led a Bearcat attack 77 yards to top it off with a 2 yard touchdown pass to Derwyn Lauderdale to score SBU's first points of the 2012 season and cut the deficit to 21-7.

The Bearcats followed the score up later in the third quarter with a Dan Connors 6 yard touchdown run to pull within 7 at 21-14. The Bearcat defense became very stingy, giving the offense the ball back, but SBU wasn't able to get on the scoreboard again as the Bearcats lost game one of the 2012 season 24-14.

Lauderdale hauled in a game high 10 receptions for 63 yards and one score to the lead the Bearcat offensive attack. Justin Duhaney and Nathan Mourik both put up over 40 yards receiving at 45 and 40 respectively. Tiras Harris was the leading rusher for the Bearcats, gaining 52 yards rushing on 17 carries.

On the defensive side of the ball, Austin Otwell had a game high 10 tackles, while also recording a sack. Karre Wallace and Chris Muhammad both picked up big interceptions, while Jameson Manuma forced a fumble late to help pull the defense off of the field. As a team, the Bearcats recorded 4 sacks and have 7 tackles for a loss.

"Bearcat fans, thank you for making today a great game day atmosphere," head coach Keith Allen stated. "I personally apologize for our team not playing up to the University's level of expectations. We will continue to work to improve our football team so the University can be proud."

SBU will be on the road next weekend when they face off against a new MIAA opponent in Lindenwood. Kickoff for the Saturday, September 8th football game is set for 6:00 p.m.