SEMO stunned on the road at Lindenwood

SEMO traveled up north to face Lindenwood in the "Game Ball Brawl" this past Saturday. The Redhawks entered the game ranked No. 6, the highest in school history, and riding a seven-game win streak. However, despite the momentum, SEMO struggled to get their offense in gear, with weather conditions adding to the challenge. In a surprising turn of events, the Redhawks fell 24-12, snapping their winning streak and suffering a disappointing defeat.

SEMO received the opening kickoff but quickly handed the momentum to Lindenwood when Payton Brown fumbled on just the third play of the game. The turnover gave the Lions an early advantage and set the tone for the rest of the first half.

Lindenwood's first drive was progressing smoothly, and they were set to settle for a 48-yard field goal. However, SEMO's special teams made a big play, blocking the attempt. Ty Leonard was right there to scoop up the block and returned it to Lindenwood’s 44-yard line, giving SEMO excellent field position for their second drive of the game.

The next two possessions for both teams ended in punts and a turnover on downs. However, SEMO's following drive, after the back-and-forth, culminated in kicker DC Pippin drilling a 38-yard field goal, giving the Redhawks a 3-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Lindenwood's next drive came to an abrupt halt when Khalani Riddick made an incredible one-handed interception, a play worthy of an ESPN highlight. The turnover gave SEMO the ball back immediately, providing a golden opportunity for the Redhawks to extend their lead.

After the interception, SEMO was forced to punt, and Lindenwood quickly capitalized. The Lions took the lead with a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cade Brister to Drew Krobath, giving Lindenwood a 7-3 advantage midway through the second quarter.

SEMOs next drive ended as DC Pippin would stay hot drilling a 47 yard field goal shortening the lead to 7-6 in the Lions favor.

Just before halftime, Lindenwood looked to extend their lead, and they did so with a 3-yard touchdown catch by OVC-leading receiver Jeff Caldwell. The score gave the Lions a 14-6 lead as both teams headed into the break.

After both teams stalled to start the second half, Lindenwood wasted no time on their second drive. Quarterback Nate Glantz took matters into his own hands, scrambling for a 27-yard touchdown run that gave the Lions a surprising 21-6 lead.

After a fumble recovery by Mali Walton, SEMO quickly capitalized on the turnover. Paxton DeLaurent connected with Tristan Smith for a 37-yard gain, setting up a 3-yard touchdown run by DeLaurent himself. However, the Redhawks were stopped on the two-point conversion attempt, leaving Lindenwood with a 21-12 lead late in the third quarter.

After the DeLaurent touchdown, SEMO was unable to gain any further momentum. Lindenwood responded with a field goal, extending their lead to 24-12. That would be the final score, as the Lions held on to secure a dominant win. The 24-12 victory marked Lindenwood's biggest win since joining FCS Division I, and it capped off a shocking upset over the Redhawks.

With the loss, SEMO falls to 8-2 on the season and 5-1 in conference play. The Redhawks will look to bounce back next Saturday on Senior Night, as they host Western Illinois at 1:00 PM.