From LU Sports Information
CHICAGO – Langston University hung tough for a half before succumbing to a no-huddle, fast-paced attack from the defending champion and top-ranked St. Xavier Cougars in a 37-7 loss on Saturday night.
In a game marred by penalties and turnovers, the Lions were down 17-7 at the half and started with the ball in the second half. However, an interception on the initial second half possession turned the momentum in favor of the Cougars and the lead quickly ballooned to 24-7. The Cougars closed the scoring with two more touchdowns to win the game, 37-7.
St. Xavier started out the game by throwing an interception on the first offensive play of the game but LU was unable to move the ball early on in the first half. The scoring began with an 85-yard run by St. Xavier and then the Cougars struck again quickly with a 7-yard run.
Backup quarterback Brendan Crawford – who has played regularly in the previous two games – led the Lions down the field and scored on a designed quarterback bootleg to the right side and scored to cut the lead in half. The Cougars finished the first half scoring with a 36-yard field goal to increase the lead to 17-7.
St. Xavier took control of the second half by scoring three touchdowns and continuing to maintain pressure on Crawford.
The Lions were able to force two interceptions and a fumble, and a third interception was called back after a penalty against LU. The defense for the Lions was able to shut down the high-powered offense for spurts during the game but the Cougars managed to do just enough to keep the game out of reach.
Daniel Garrett is the Sports Information Director at Langston University.