JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A big first quarter propelled Northwest Missouri to a 73-7 win over the Lincoln football team at Dwight T. Reed Stadium on Sept. 17, 2011.

The Bearcats scored a field goal on their opening possession to spring NWMSU to a 24-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Blue Tiger defense pitched a shutout in the second period, but Northwest Missouri (2-0, 2-0 MIAA) scored 35 points in the third en route to the victory.

Lincoln (1-1, 0-1 MIAA) got on the board late in the third when Fred Fuller blazed past the Bearcat special teams for a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Josh Blanton, who averaged 35.0 yards on kickoffs and 27.6 yards on punts, tacked on the extra point to complete the scoring for LU.

Vonques Knox had a monster defensive game for the Blue Tigers, finishing with five tackles for loss, a pair of sacks, a forced fumble, a pass break-up and seven solo tackles. Jerrod Moore also had a sack to go with seven takedowns, and Reggie McMillan finished with eight tackles, a break-up and an interception, which he returned 28 yards.

Chris Pace led LU with 10 tackles, including one for a loss, and O'Hara Fluellen had two picks on the afternoon. Michael Lloyd additionally supplied a sack.

Offensively, Robert Redmond passed for 97 yards and led Lincoln with 37 yards rushing, while Deon Brock was next in the latter category with 20 yards on the ground. Corderious Gregory had 10 receptions for 48 yards to lead the air attack.