SWOSU Dominates Aggies

September 15, 2007

GOODWELL, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State University sputtered early but regrouped to dominate an undersized and outmanned Oklahoma Panhandle State University football team by a 38-8 score Saturday in Goodwell.

The win improved the Bulldogs to 3-1 on the year while OPSU watched its winless streak stretch to what is now three years. SWOSU will next host nationally-ranked Abilene Christian University for a Parent’s Day matchup Saturday at 6 p.m.

SWOSU’s defense continued to shine brightest coming up with three defensive touchdowns and blocking a punt that led to another touchdown. The Bulldogs led 38-0 and had designs on its first shutout of the season before the Aggies managed a meaningless touchdown against reserves in the closing minutes.

SWOSU linebacker Greg Franklin came up with the game’s first score when he wrestled the ball away from a Panhandle ball carrier and raced 25 yards for a touchdown with 8:43 remaining in the first.

SWOSU’s offense had a difficult time getting on track as its first two possessions ended in three-and-outs and its third was stopped by an interception. The Bulldogs did find some success midway through the game running the ball behind the tandem of Brandon Cobb and Brian Allen.

Cobb, a freshman who began the season as a fourth-team quarterback, was pulled out of redshirt in hopes of jump starting the Bulldogs ground game. He ended the game with 92 yards rushing on 18 carries, both season highs for any Bulldog runner.

Allen, a junior college All-American from California, had his best game as a Bulldog rushing for 88 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. SWOSU carved up 239 of its 333 total yards on the ground.

Brandon Wicks sparkled in his role as a second-play replacement for Andre Morgan at safety. Wicks finished with three tackles, blocked a punt and returned a fumble 43 yards for a score.

Defensive end Joe Castle also came up with a scoring play when he stepped in front of an errant OPSU pass and returned it eight yards for a score. Castle’s TD gave the Bulldogs a 31-0 lead early in the third before the Bulldog coach Ryan Held emptied the benches.