LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA (November 4, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions, under the leadership of first year head coach Frank Turner, honored their senior student-athletes for the last game of the season, before facing the Bulldogs of Bowie State University in a high scoring matchup. LU battled until the last play, but came up short, taking a 46-39 loss to the visiting Bulldogs.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 39, Bowie State 46
Records: Lincoln (4-6, 3-5), Bowie State (6-4, 5-3)
Location: LU Athletics Stadium, Lincoln University, PA
Series: Lincoln trails the series, 0-15, against Bowie State

FIRST HALF

• The energy in LU Athletics Stadium was high at the start of the matchup, as the Lions claimed dominance early.
• Not wasting any time, quarterback Isaiah Freeman (Chester, Pa./STEM Academy High School) ran in for a 1-yard touchdown after a 5 play, 70-yard drive.
• The 7-0 lead got the Lion fans out of their seats early, cheering for the home team.
• Despite the Bulldogs answering back to tie the score 7-all for end the quarter, LU came to play and was not backing down.
• The 2^nd quarter was intense as both teams were determined to outscore and outshine their opponent.
• BSU jump started the back and forth scoring in the quarter, taking a 14-7 lead with 10:51 left in the half.
• LU returned the favor, tying the score 14-all after Freeman found Tyshawn Young for a 12-yard touchdown pass.
• Returning to the endzone, with 2:47 left in the 2^nd quarter, the Bulldogs took a 20-14 lead.
• Trusting the accuracy they've had all season, Freeman found Malachi Langley (Chester, Pa./Chester High School) for a 65-yard touchdown pass, bringing the crowd to their feet.
• With the score tied 20-all, the Lions defense fought to hold the Bulldogs back from scoring.
• BSU managed to enter the endzone with seconds left on the quarter to end the half, 26-20.

 
SECOND HALF

• The back and forth scoring action continued in the second half.
• Freeman jump started the action in the 3^rd quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run after a 14 play, 74-yard drive.
• The momentum of the matchup continued to elevate with the score now tied 26-all.
• Although BSU answered back, yet again, reclaiming the lead to end the 3^rd quarter, 33-26, the Lions and their fans kept hope alive.
• Staying true to his leadership and ability to make necessary plays to open the quarter, Freeman reentered the endzone with a 1-yard run at the top of the 4^th quarter, tying the score 33-all.
• LU gave the Bulldogs too much space, allowing them to score back-to-back in the quarter to take a 46-33 lead.
• Battling until the end, Freeman found Langley for the last LU play of the 2023 season with a 37-yard touchdown pass.
• As the clock expired, the final score ruled in favor of the visiting Bulldogs, 46-39.
• Despite the loss, the Lions remained motivated throughout the contest and the season!

 
LION LEADERS

• Quarterback Isaiah Freeman was 13-for-23 on pass completions for 252 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 133 net yards on 20 attempts for 3 touchdowns.
• Wide Receiver, Malachi Langley (Chester, Pa./Chester High School) covered 172 yards on 8 reception for 2 touchdowns in the Lions matchup against BSU.
• Defensively, linebacker Justin Piper (Harrisburg, P.A./Bishop McDevitt High School) controlled the game with 11 total tackles (6 solo, 5 assisted).

 
PROGRAM HISTORY
The Lions have rounded out the best season in the program's history, with a 4-6 overall record. With a combination of several player of the week honors, a young team and loyal LU fans, the Lincoln University football team has left their mark on the CIAA and will continue to make strides in the coming seasons.