Lincoln University, PA. — Bluefield State University football continued to battle through conference play Saturday afternoon, putting together several strong stretches offensively and defensively before falling to Lincoln University (Pa.), 20-7.
The Big Blue finished the afternoon with 291 yards of total offense, including 139 rushing yards and 152 passing yards. Bluefield State also controlled the clock.
Quarterback
Savan Briggs led the Bluefield State offense, completing 12 of 23 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown while adding five rushing yards.
The Big Blue scored late in the second quarter to make it a close game, with just 10 seconds remaining before halftime. Briggs connected with
Syir Sutton for the 12-yard touchdown on a 51-yard scoring drive.
Eli Adams converted the extra point to make it a 13-7 game heading into halftime.
Bluefield State's defense responded in the third quarter, keeping Lincoln off the scoreboard and giving the Big Blue an opportunity to make a comeback.
The Big Blue offense then put together one of its longest drives of the afternoon, marching 65 yards on 14 plays and taking more than eight minutes off the clock.
Bluefield State moved the ball inside the Lincoln 20-yard line but was unable to convert on fourth down, ending the drive without points.
Despite the setback, Bluefield State continued to move the football effectively throughout the afternoon.
Tydrez Clements led the Big Blue rushing attack with 61 yards on seven carries, including a 36-yard run.
Justin McBean added 41 yards on 14 carries.
In the passing game,
Julian Crawley had a strong afternoon with seven receptions for 85 yards, while Sutton finished with four catches for 34 yards and the team's only touchdown.
Defensively
Johnken Ngwaba finished with 4 tackles, including half a sack.
Bluefield State finished with 16 first downs and converted 8-of-16 third-down opportunities. The Big Blue also held Lincoln to 289 total yards, just two fewer than their own offensive total.
Final: Bluefield State 7, Lincoln (PA) 20
Up Next: Bluefield State vs Johnson C Smith, Saturday, October 3 at Mitchell Stadium at 1pm - Homecoming
