Bolivar, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist University football team concluded their penultimate home game on Saturday against Truman State University (TSU). Despite being the superior team through the air, the Bearcats ultimately lost by a score of 16-27. This moves SBU to a record of 3-5 (2-4 GLVC) on the season.
 
The Bearcat defense stood strong through the first quarter, keeping the Truman State offense off the scoreboard. However, the shutout did not continue for much longer as the Truman State quarterback scored a rushing touchdown just nine seconds into the second quarter. The defensive game continued for both sides throughout most of the remainder of the first half, highlighted by a forced fumble from redshirt freshman Finn Smith and recovery by redshirt sophomore Anthony Smith Jr. The offensive floodgates opened with another Truman State touchdown with 2:15 left in the first half. SBU responded with a seven play and 72-yard drive ending in a passing touchdown from junior Jaron Saunders to senior Kamau Ransom. This touchdown was the 10th of the season for Ransom, tying for 4th best in SBU single season history. In the little time left before halftime, Truman was able to add a field goal, making the score 7-17 at the break.
 
The SBU defense resumed their strong performance in the third quarter, posting another shutout and holding the Bulldog offense to only 45 yards. A field goal for SBU from sophomore Kaleb James with 6:56 left in the quarter brought the Bearcats back within a touchdown at 10-17. The fourth quarter began with an offensive surge from Truman State. The first three drives ended in a touchdown for the Bulldogs, an SBU turnover on downs, and another three point kick for TSU. This put Truman State up 10-27 with 7:36 left in the game. The Bearcats fought back with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Saunders to graduate student Jalen Royal-Eiland, but the Bulldogs were able to run out the clock on their next drive to close out the game. 
 
Despite the loss, SBU's Saunders put up impressive passing numbers with 276 passing yards and a completion percentage of 66.67% to go with his two touchdowns. Saunders now sits second in the GLVC in passing yards per game with 275.8. Ransom led the Bearcats in receiving with an incredible 146 yards from 13 receptions. He now leads the GLVC in receptions (53), receiving touchdowns (10), and receiving yards per game (102.9) seeking a triple crown. Senior Avery Lambert's seven receptions for 60 yards is enough to place him fifth in the GLVC for average receiving yards per game (64.3). The Bearcat defense was led by graduate student Jed Brandon with 12 total tackles.
 
SBU will enjoy a bye week next week before playing their final home game against the University of Indianapolis on Saturday, November 8 at 1:00pm. The game is set to kick off from Plaster Stadium as the Bearcats will recognize their graduating seniors to celebrate senior day.