Lindenwood linebacker Connor Harris broke the NCAA Division II tackles record on Thursday night in Tahlequah, Okla., but the Lions fell in the final minute of the game by a 35-31 score to Northeastern State.
 
Harris recorded his eighth tackle of the game in the third quarter which gave him 518 for his career, the most for any defender in NCAA Division II history. He finished with four more tackles as he moves closer to the NCAA All-Division record of 550.
 
The record-breaking night though was spoiled after the RiverHawks scored 14 points in the final 5:32 of the game for a come-from-behind victory. A 33-yard touchdown pass got Northeastern State within three points with under six minutes to play. 
 
Lindenwood went three-and-out, but caught a big break when Northeastern State fumbled the punt and gave the ball back to the Lions. The offense again couldn't get 10 yards and Harris punted the ball which was downed on the RiverHawks' two-yard line with 2:11 remaining.
 
That was enough time though as Northeastern State got its passing game going. The Riverhawks had five passes over 10 yards, including a 17-yard game-winning pass with 33 seconds left.
 
Lindenwood was able to advance the ball to Northeastern State's 34 yards line, but an interception on a Hail Mary pass ended the game.
 
For the second straight week, turnovers were the difference in the game. The Lions were a plus-four in week one of the season, but lost the turnover battle by three this week. Two of those turnovers led to Northeastern State touchdowns in the first half, helping the Riverhawks lead 17-14 in the first half despite the Lions having the statistical edge.
 
The second half saw the lead change four times. Lindenwood scored on its first drive of the second half to take a 17-14 lead, but Northeastern State answered right back. The Lions then retook the lead late in the third quarter on a Deantrell Prince touchdown.
 
Early in the fourth quarter, the Lions defense scored its third touchdown of the season when Wesley Thomas picked up a fumble and went 46 yards for the touchdown. That gave the Lions a 31-21 lead, but too much time was left in the game.
 
Lindenwood finished with 434 yards of total offense, compared to 420 for Northeastern State. The Lions had 221 rushing yards and 213 through the air, while the RiverHawks had 300 passing yards and just 120 rushing yards. The Lions defense held the RiverHawks to seven-of-19 on third-down plays, but Lindenwood converted just three-of-18 and had five total turnovers.
 
Antron Watts had a team-high 13 tackles, including two tackles for loss. Harris finished with 12 tackles and one tackle for loss.
 
Offensively, Calen Campbell had his first 100-yard rushing game with 146 yards, and he scored one touchdown. Mason Bendigo threw one touchdown and finished with 213 passing yards. Kendell Sparks caught nine passes for 61 yards, and Prince finished with seven catches for 87 yards.
 
Game Notes: Lindenwood falls to 1-1 on the season and in MIAA play … Northeastern State moved to 1-1 on the year and in MIAA action … Northeastern State now leads the all-time series by a 2-1 mark … Antron Watts had his first career double-figure tackle game, and Connor Harris had his 30th … Travis Spraul kicked his first career collegiate field goal … the Lions will be on the road on Sept. 17 for a 6 p.m. game against Washburn.