Editor´s note: This article was written for and published in the Oct. 22 print edition. 

Only scoring off a safety in the second half, Shippensburg University’s football team lost the homecoming game to Kutztown University on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Seth Grove Stadium 31-2.

The No. 5 team in the nation, the Golden Bears, scored three touchdowns in the first half while Shippensburg´s offense was unable to put together drives to get to the red zone.

SU only managed to get as far as the KU 37-yard line throughout the entire game, even though the Raiders started four drives at their own 40-yard line.

Shippensburg’s defense was the highlight of the game for the hosts, as it limited the Golden Bears to 50 rushing yards and recorded two interceptions. Prior to Saturday’s game, KU had only thrown one interception this season. Junior Josh Lesesne and redshirtjunior Mike Fayemi recorded the interceptions for the Raiders.

The Raiders´ started the game with a nine play, 18-yard drive that took almost five minutes off the clock but ended at the Shippensburg 46-yard line. 

Kutztown, after receiving the ball at their 36-yard line, took less than four minutes to move the ball down the field. Jaedyn Stewart rushed the ball six yards into the endzone for the Golden Bears. With the completion of the extra point, KU took a 7-0 lead with their first drive.

Shippensburg’s offense was again unable to move the ball down the field in another eight-play, 25-yard drive that took 4:28 off the clock.

SU’s defense forced a three-and-out on Kutztown’s second drive before Lesesne intercepted quarterback Judd Novak early in the second quarter on Kutztown’s third drive.

However, the Raiders offense was unable to capitalize on the turnover and recorded a three-and-out in the following drive.

KU responded with another touchdown. In a nine-play, 53-yard drive, Stewart recorded his second rushing touchdown of the day to extend KU’s lead.

With 58 seconds left in the first half, the Golden Bears received the ball again after a turnover on downs. Two passes by Novak covered 57 yards in 14 seconds, the second pass being a 46-yard touchdown pass to Mekhi Gibson. Thanks to this drive, KU went into halftime with a 21-0 lead.

Coming out of halftime, Shippensburg’s defense had a strong third quarter, not allowing Kutztown any scores.

The lone points for the Raiders also came in the third quarter. A snap at Kutztown’s 30-yard line on a punt went over the punter’s head and rolled out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Within the last two minutes of the third quarter, Fayemi caught Novak’s second interception of the day. 

SU’s offense was once more unable to capitalize off the turnover, as true freshman quarterback Vincent Micucci´’s pass on the first down was intercepted by CJ Brown for KU.

The following drive saw Kutztown march down the field once again, but Shippensburg was able to hold Kutztown to a field goal attempt this time. Kutztown kicker Will Smith made the ensuing 38-yard field goal with about 11 minutes to go in the game to extend KU’s lead to 24-2.

Another quick three-and-out by the Raiders offense set up Kutztown´s next scoring drive. Kurtis Ravenel Jr. caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Novak. The following extra point set the score to the final of the game 31-2.

Shippensburg’s offense only compiled 102 yards throughout the game, 85 passing yards and 17 rushing yards. In addition, the Raiders only earned seven first downs in the total game and had a 3-15 conversion rate on third downs. Kutztown earned 18 first downs and a total of 312 yards through its offense.

SU will look to rebound from the homecoming loss on Saturday, as they take on Bloomsburg in an away game at 2 p.m.

Share