Lamar University closed out the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 35-32 victory over Central Arkansas Saturday evening at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The game, which consisted of numerous momentum shifts, was just Lamar’s second win all-time in the series and its first in Beaumont.
Lamar jumped out to a 14-0 lead before UCA rallied to claim a three-point advantage only to see the Cardinals reclaim the lead heading into the locker room. LU held that momentum through the third quarter outscoring the Bears, 14-0, to claim a 35-17 lead heading into the final quarter. The Bears put up a strong rally in the final 15 minutes, scoring 15 unanswered, but Lamar’s defense came up with the stop it needed on the final possession to preserve the victory as Lamar improves to 3-1 for a second consecutive season.
Despite being outgained, Lamar finished the night with 293 yards of total offense including 151 yards on the ground. A huge reason for UCA outgaining Lamar came from the fact that special teams provided Big Red with short fields throughout the first half. Senior Kyndon Fuselier was a huge reason for that returning three punts for 97 yards (32.3 yards per return) – two of those coming in the first half.
Sophomore Aidan McCown won his second-straight start at quarterback completing 13-of-17 (.765) passes for 142 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with eight different receivers, led by four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown from Nederland native Kyndon Fuslier. Blake Thomas and JaCorey Hyder were responsible for the Cards other two touchdown receptions.
Senior Xavier Coleman just missed a 100-yard rushing effort with 15 carries for 98 yards (6.5 ypr). Classmate Damien Moore tacked on eight carries for 29 yards and a score.
Lamar’s defensive effort was led by senior Kristian Pugh who recorded nine tackles – three solo stops – with an interception and a pass breakup. It was one of two interceptions on the night for Big Red as Kevin Thomas picked off one as well.
After falling behind by three points with less than 10 to play in the first half, the Cardinals found themselves with the ball with 3:52 remaining before halftime after the defense forced a fumble at midfield on a fourth-and-1 play.
McCown and the offense took advantage of the stolen momentum to drive the ball down the field – 46 yards down on seven plays – capping the drive with a McCown four-yard rush for a score with less than a minute remaining before intermission. That score sparked a run of 21-straight points which gave the Red and White an 18-point lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the third. It was just enough as the Cardinals would hold off a late rally from the Bears for the victory.
The nationally ranked Cardinals now turn their attention to the Southland Conference opener Saturday, Oct. 4, against Nicholls. That game is set for a 3 p.m. start from Provost Umphrey Stadium.
(photo by Jeff Kellum)
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