Bulldogs Blanked by ACU, 31-0

September 23, 2006

ABILENE, TEXAS – Southwestern Oklahoma State was unable overcome a few critical errors and could not shake free of Abilene Christian’s tight defensive grip, losing 31-0 in a Lone Star Conference football matchup Saturday.

The loss evened the Bulldogs overall record at 2-2 overall while ACU remained unbeaten in three games.

SWOSU gift wrapped two third quarter ACU’s offensive scores within a two minute period and watched as the Wildcats turned a tight ballgame into a rout.

Leading 7-0, ACU blocked SWOSU’s Spenser Daniel’s punt and recovered it at the Bulldogs own 10-yard line. Taber Minor scored two plays later on a three-yard run and the Wildcats led 14-0 with 3:49 remaining in the third period.

The Bulldogs turned the ball right back to the Wildcats on their next play from scrimmage when Harold Thomas fumbled at SWOSU’s own 23-yard line. ACU scored three plays later when Chris Morris caught a 17-yard pass from quarterback Billy Malone to make the score 17-0 with 1:32 to play.

SWOSU, which was held to just 196 yards of total offense, did move the ball late in the fourth quarter when they advanced to the ACU 35-yard line. However, the drive was quickly ended when Corey Jordan stepped in from of an errant pass by Bulldog quarterback Jimmy Sangster and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown. The point after was good and ACU had its final score to make it 31-0 with 6:39 to play.

SWOSU’s best chance of scoring came early when linebacker Ruzell McCoy intercepted a pass and returned it to the ACU 29 giving the Bulldogs new life in a scoreless ball game in the first quarter. SWOSU picked up a first down and moved to the Wildcat’s seven-yard line before Steve Ihekona ended the scoring threat by fumbling the ball back to the Wildcats’ Jody Walker.

Defensively, the Bulldogs did a good job limiting the Wildcats o just 275 yards of total offense. ACU scored 51 points in its last game against defending LSC North champion Southeastern Oklahoma State. Linebacker Jon Patterson had seven tackles to lead SWOSU while McCoy and Jaquane Williams each added six.

SWOSU’s next game will be at home against Tarleton State on Saturday, Sept. 30. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Milam Stadium.