Kirksville, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist University football team fell to Truman State University 41-17 Saturday afternoon in GLVC action. Despite a strong second-half defensive effort, the Bearcats were unable to overcome an early deficit. The loss moves SBU to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
Truman State jumped out to an early lead before sophomore kicker Kaleb James put the Bearcats on the board with a 45-yard field goal. SBU added a touchdown in the second quarter on a two-yard run from Jobe Smith, cutting into the Bulldogs' lead before entering halftime trailing 31-10.
Smith reached a career milestone during the game, surpassing 2,000 career rushing yards as a Bearcat. He finished the afternoon with 43 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding another accomplishment to his impressive SBU career.
The Bearcats came out strong defensively in the second half, shutting out Truman State in the third quarter. Vic Williams III added a three-yard rushing touchdown to bring SBU within 14 points, but the Bulldogs pulled away in the fourth quarter.
True freshman quarterback Cooper Owens finished with 164 passing yards, while Keivon Flint led the receiving corps with six catches for 80 yards. Tyrone Scyrus led the rushing attack with 69 yards on 13 carries.
Defensively, Chucky Sutton led the Bearcats with nine tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Hayden Wolfe and Kale Pennington each added eight tackles.
SBU will have a bye week before returning to action on Saturday, November 7, when the Bearcats travel to take on the University of Indianapolis.
