By Paul Sykes
The opening opponent for the University of Louisville football team got their season started last night. Maybe we scheduled the wrong guys. Indiana State University extended its losing streak to 27 games, falling 26-20 in overtime to NAIA school Quincy in Terre Haute.
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It was “black out” night for the Sycamores, and they began the game with all intentions of doing just that to the Illinois visitors. A 40-yard field goal by Braulio Martinez got ISU off to an early 3-0 lead. Chris Stutzriem tossed a five-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Roberts midway thru the first quarter. Then running back Darrius Gates heaved a 75-yard bomb to receiver Bryant Kent at the end of the quarter to put the Sycamores up 17-0.
Quincy chipped away at the lead over the next two quarters while holding ISU scoreless. 17-3 at the half and 17-6 after 3 quarters. A wild 4th quarter saw Quincy roar back to tie the game with 40 seconds remaining but miss the winning extra point attempt.
Quincy won the overtime toss and elected to defend. They stopped the Sycamores on three minus yardage running plays and Martinez missed the mark on a field goal. Taking over the ball, they marched down to the one-yard line and punched in the winning score on a second down plunge by QB Sam Donatucci.
If any Cardinal fans were nervous about the first opponent (and I doubt any of you were) go ahead and exhale deeply. The doormat of college football staggers into Papa John’s eight days from now.