KEARNEY, Neb. - Lincoln got its first MIAA win last season against Nebraska-Kearney. The Blue Tigers couldn't make it 2-for-2.
Nebraska-Kearney scored 17 straight points in the third quarter to take over a tie game, as the Lopers held on for a 24-14 victory Saturday.
Lincoln took the initial lead, as Jacob Morris hit Maurice Woodard for a 19-yard touchdown at the 6:50 mark of the opening quarter. Andrew Fishel tacked on the extra point.
Nebraska-Kearney knotted the score later in the period when Tyler McKeone rumbled in from 29 yards out.
After a scoreless second stanza, the Lopers took control in the third period.
McKeone got things started wit ha 4-yard run at the 11:20 mark, capping a nine-play, 64-yard drive that gave the Lopers a 14-7 advantage.
The next two scores didn't require as much work.
A fumble on the ensuing kickoff gave Nebraska-Kearney the ball 26 yards from pay dirt. Three plays later, Romero Cotton found the end zone from 2 yards out to make it 21-7.
The Lopers recovered the kickoff, although it wasn't your typical onside kick, at the Lincoln 17. Four plays later, a 32-yard field goal from Jonathan Lara pushed the lead to 24-7 with 8:42 to go in the third.
Neither team could score again until Lincoln managed a late touchdown. Morris hit Andre Borney for a 36-yard reception, making it 24-14 with 47 seconds left after Fishel added the PAT.
Remarkably, both teams ended up with 344 total yards. The Blue Tigers preferred the air, throwing for 227 yards, while the Lopers stayed on the ground, rushing for 306 yards.
Morris completed 20-of-33 passes for 227 yards to go along with two touchdowns and an interception. His favorite target was Borney who managed four receptions for 81 yards. Woodard led the Blue Tigers with seven catches. Morris Henderson racked up 72 rushing yards on 16 carries.
Nebraska-Kearney improves to 2-5 overall and 2-4 in the MIAA.
Lincoln (1-6, 0-6 MIAA) hosts Fort Hays State next Saturday.