Following a road defeat at North Texas last week, Lamar University’s football team came roaring back by humbling the University of South Dakota Coyotes in their home opener.
The Cardinals beat 4th-ranked USD 20-13, Sept. 6 at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The back-and-forth game came down to the final two minutes, which ended in a Lamar defensive stand.
The Coyotes jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead after a strong first drive and a Cardinal turnover. After that, Lamar would only allow three points the rest of the game.
The momentum flipped when the Cardinals recovered a muffed USD kickoff, placing them in an immediate scoring opportunity. The defense was on display all night, forcing three turnovers. The flipped possessions put Big Red in scoring positions to take the lead with 9:51 left in the ball game.
The Cardinals’ defense really showed its might when the Coyotes got the ball back with two minutes left in the fourth quarter trailing by seven. With Provost Umphrey Stadium crowd rocking the stadium, all the pressure was on the Coyotes. The defense held and didn’t allow South Dakota to get a first down, which allowed LU to run out the clock.
The game is Lamar’s highest ranked win in program history.
“It took everyone,” Coach Pete Rossomando said. “It took everybody on the team, everybody on the sideline, everybody in the organization.”
Rossomando said he told his players a win would require discipline and effort through all four quarters.
“Our guys just kept fighting,” he said. “I’m sure everyone was doubting, but I’ve always felt this is an incredible group of young men. This is the best team we’ve had. It’s a resilient bunch.”
The win catapulted the Cardinals to 14th in the nation in the FCS Triumvirate Poll.
The Cards are back in action next weekend at Texas Southern University. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Houston.
