MARYVILLE - The Lincoln Blue Tigers had the lead against the nationally ranked Northwest Missouri Bearcats.
But Northwest Missouri wasn't about to let Lincoln spoil its Homecoming.
The 14th-ranked Bearcats scored four touchdowns in the second quarter Saturday, turning an early setback into a commanding 56-9 win in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play.
Vontavious Thacker intercepted a pass from Mike Hohensee and returned it 52 yards for Lincoln's only touchdown of the game. Javier Moreno added the extra point to put the Blue Tigers ahead 7-0 with 4:05 to play in the first quarter.
Northwest Missouri answered with a game-tying touchdown pass on its next possession. The Bearcats then scored touchdowns on all four of their possessions in the second quarter to lead 35-7 at halftime.
Lincoln's offense was stopped on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line to start the second half, but on the next play after the turnover on downs, Quan Mason tackled Justin Rankin in the end zone for a safety.
Northwest Missouri had a touchdown pass in the third quarter and two rushing touchdowns in the fourth. The Bearcats averaged 9 yards per offensive play, compared to 2.4 yards for the Blue Tigers.
Chancellor Johnson was 10-of-24 passing for 66 yards for Lincoln. He also doubled as the team's punter Saturday, and 11 of the Blue Tigers' 15 possessions resulted in a punt.
Hosea Franklin finished with 17 carries for 47 yards and Tori Hicks added 18 rushes for 41 yards. Lincoln had 173 yards of offense, while Northwest Missouri (7-1) compiled 511 yards.
Thacker led the Lincoln defense with six total tackles. Bri'on Sanders added a fumble recovery for the Blue Tigers on the opening kickoff of the second half.
Lincoln (1-7) hosts Fort Hays State at 1 p.m. Saturday at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. The Tigers (6-2) won their sixth straight game Saturday, defeating Nebraska-Kearney 37-31.