Lamar University got three key plays from its special teams – two blocked punts returned for scores and a blocked field goal – to build a huge 21-point first half lead and never looked back defeating Texas Southern, 31-7, Saturday evening at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Sophomore quarterback Aidan McCown made his first career start and completed 12-of-22 passes for 81 yards. He also carried the ball seven times for 50 yards (7.1 per carry) and a touchdown in the victorious effort.
The Cardinals finished the night with 333 yards of offense including 252 on the ground. Freshman LaDamian McDowell led the Cardinals’ ground attack with 11 carries for 92 yards (8.4 ypr), while Damian Moore recorded the team’s other rushing touchdown. Eight different Cardinals recorded a rush Saturday.
Big Red’s defense was led by senior Kristian Pugh and Royce Maloloes who ended the night with five tackles. Maloles added two tackles for a loss. LU’s defense held TSU to 196 yards of offense and just seven points.
Picking up where it last off last week, Lamar’s defense came out and forced a three-and-out on TSU’s first possession. The stop was key as the Tigers fumbled the snap to the punter which was recovered by Nyir Jones and returned 20 yards for a score.
The homestanding Tigers responded with a seven-play, 78-yard drive that took 4:29 off the clock, but the Cardinals answered immediately. McCown capped an eight-play, 47-yard drive with a 13-yard run to reclaim a seven-point lead.
It appeared to be a back-and-forth game when Texas Southern responded with a drive of its own with the apparent game-tying touchdown but the pass play was wiped off the board due to a holding call. It forced the Tigers to attempt a 39-yard field goal which was blocked. It would be the third special teams miscue as Lamar would also block another punt which was recovered in the end zone. Lamar took a 28-7 lead into the locker room and tacked on a field goal in the second half.
The Cardinals will have a week off before returning to action against Central Arkansas. The game against the Bears will kick off at 6 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium.
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