The Lindenwood football team (5-5, 4-2 OVC) saw its four-game winning streak come to an end with a 38-31 loss at UT Martin (5-6, 4-2 OVC on Saturday in Martin, Tenn.
GAME OVERVIEW
UT Martin opened the game with a drive that ate up nearly half the opening quarter. However, a penalty and a sack by
Zach Lewis kept the Skyhawks off the board. Lindenwood wasted no time taking the lead when
Pops Battle connected with
Jalen Smith on a 32-yard strike, giving the Lions a 7-0 lead, which would be the score after one.
Lindenwood doubled its lead early in the second when Battle used his legs, capping off a seven-play, 72-yard drive, making the score 14-0. The Skyhawks responded quickly and cut the lead in half at 14-7 with 11:12 to play in the half. It was Lindenwood's turn to answer, and they did. Battle found Smith again for his second score of the game, extending the lead to 21-7 just before the halfway point of the quarter. The Skyhawks scored the final 10 points of the quarter and trailed 21-17 at the break.
In the third quarter, UT Martin got an opening series stop and made a field goal, closing the gap to 21-20 with 10:24 to play. The Skyhawks added another three to take their first lead, 23-21 late in the third. Lindenwood responded with a field goal of its own from
Will Graham to regain a 24-23 lead headed into the fourth.
The Skyhawks regained the lead with an early touchdown in the fourth. Lindenwood responded quickly with an eight-play, 75-yard drive as Battle found Smith again to tie the game at 31 apiece with just over seven minutes to play. Â UT Martin regained the lead late in the fourth and was able to hold on for a 38-31 victory.
GAME LEADERS
Pops Battle (20-for-37, 301 total yards, three touchdowns)
Jalen Smith (seven catches, 106 yards, three touchdowns)
Drew Krobath (four catches, 87 yards)
UP NEXT
The Lions will close out the season next Saturday, November 21, at home against Western Illinois for Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at lindenwoodlions.com.Â
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