COLUMBIA, Ky. – The Campbellsville University football team headed down Highway 55 to compete against rival #3 Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders Saturday night. Despite the Tigers having the lead at the half and at the end of the third quarter, the Blue Raiders weaponized a smothering defense to take the contest, 21-12.
After ten plays and 32-yards, the Blue Raiders' first drive ended in a punt. Subsequently, the Tigers were unsuccessful as their first drive also ended in a punt. This trend in play continued as neither team advanced far down field. In Campbellsville's third drive,
Devin Neally went to punt, yet again. Neally's punt was blocked and recovered by Lindsey Wilson. Campbellsville seized the opportunity to bounce back as
DeAgo Brumfield intercepted a pass at the 50-yard line and ran to the endzone for a touchdown. The Tigers missed the extra point though. That would be consequential as the Blue Raiders returned the kickoff for a 92-yard touchdown. The quarter ended 7-6 with the Blue Raiders ahead.
In the second quarter, Lindsey Wilson's first dive ended in an interception by
Kale Hagan at Lindsey's 33-yard line. Although their offense sputtered, Neally's field goal attempt rang true and the Tigers took the lead. In Campbellsville's second drive of the quarter, the Tigers were struggling to make an offensive play then fumbled and Lindsey Wilson regained control. Action remained slim and the half came to a close.
At the half, the Tigers were leading with a 9-7 score. Campbellsville had attempted 13 passes with 10 completions whereas Lindsey Wilson attempted 19 throws and only completed six passes. Each team was under 150 total offensive yards.
Into the third quarter, three consecutive drives ended in punts for both teams. The Blue Raiders were forced to make a field goal attempt to cut into their deficit and their attempt was blocked by the Tigers. Harnessing the momentum,
Joshua Meglis completed a pass to
Andre Siler for 57 yards. The Tigers made their way all of the way to the Blue Raiders' 11-yard line where they were held and opted for a field goal. Neally's successful field goal increased the Tigers' lead 12-7. When Lindsey Wilson was in possession of the ball,
Trevor Harmon forced a fumble to end their control. However, the Tigers couldn't capitalize and had to end their next drive in a punt as well.
In the final quarter, Lindsey Wilson took hold of the lead with a touchdown behind a five-play, 82-yard drive that only took two minutes off the clock. The Tigers then stood at a two-point discrepancy. After a couple drives, the Blue Raiders notched another touchdown (this time via a 79-yard punt return) to increase the Tigers' trail. Campbellsville's last drive extended over 12 plays and resulted in a blocked field goal attempt for the Tigers. The clock ran out and Campbellsville fell to the Blue Raiders 21-12.
At the end of the contest, the Tigers netted negative rushing yards with -27 whereas the Blue Raiders posted 73. Despite winning the turnover battle 4:1, the Lindsey Wilson defense sacked Meglis nine times in the game. Individually, Siler tallied 145 receiving yards and the closest tally behind him was 33 yards.
Grover Russell led defensively with five solo tackles and three assisted tackles (eight total).
Jacoby Miguel, Ha'Keem Dillard, and
Donsha Knox also totaled eight tackles.
The Tigers will host Faulkner University next Saturday, October 1
stat Finley Stadium. The homecoming game will begin at 2:01pm ET as is tradition.
