Senior defensive back Harlan Miller returns a ball against Florida Tech in a game earlier this season. The Lions have been effective on defense this year, forcing eight interceptions which leads the Southland Conference.
The Lion’s Roar / Heather Jewell
The Lions lost to the Ohio Bobcats 35-14 in Athens, Ohio during this past Saturday’s football game. The Lions struggled offensively in the first half, and could not score any points before halftime. This loss puts the Lions record at 2-1 so far this season.
The Lions went into this game without their starting junior quarterback D’Shaie Landor or their two leading rushers senior Xavier Roberson and freshman Julius Maracalin.
The Bobcats started their possession with a recalled touchdown due to a penalty and a sack by Lions senior defensive lineman Ashton Henderson, forcing the Bobcats to punt.
The Lions offensive troubles started on their first drive. Freshman quarterback Donovan Isom fumbled the ball after being tackled for a loss of four yards. This set up the Bobcats drive in good field position, but the Lions senior defensive back Jordan Batiste was able to intercept a pass during the drive, recording his first interception of the season.
The Lions did not capitalize on this interception and had a three-and-out which forced them to punt.
The next drive for the Bobcats had 30 yards of penalties by the Lions.
The defense tried to hold on in the first half but could not stop the Bobcats offense which was firing on all cylinders as Bobcats senior running back Daz Patterson and freshman Papi White would both score a touchdown in the first half.
Senior quarterback Derrius Vick would go on to throw a touchdown to junior wide receiver Sebastian Smith before the half, helping the Bobcats to jump out to a 21-0 lead.
The Lions surprised the Bobcats with an onside kick to start the second half. It proved to be a smart move that started a positive drive for the offense. But, Lions senior running back Kody Sutton was stripped by junior safety Toran Davis at the goal line.
After a forcing a punt, the Lions finally got in the end zone following a 10-yard-pass from Isom to Smiley to make the score 21-7.
The Lions were able to make it in the end zone on their next possession for a 48-yard touchdown pass to Bossier making the score 21-14.
However, the Bobcats had a quick answer for the Lions comeback by scoring on a 58-yard touchdown run by White.
The game was halted by a lightning delay with 8:05 left in the fourth quarter.
Once play resumed the Bobcats put the nail in the coffin with a 67-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Brendan Cope ending the game with the score 35-14.
This loss makes the Lions 0-20 against FBS teams since 2003.
The Lions will take this week off and will return on October 1 to face conference rival Lamar at Strawberry Stadium.