EDMOND, Okla. - A big first half helped lead Central Oklahoma past the Lincoln football team on Saturday night (Sept. 21). The Blue Tigers fell in their first weekend game of the 2019 season, 63-0.

Central Oklahoma (2-1, 2-1 MIAA) scored a touchdown on its first drive of the season, but the Blue Tigers kept the Bronchos off the board for the remainder of the first quarter. On their second drive, the Bronchos advanced to midfield before Bri'on Sanders forced a fumble, recovered by Cody Alexander, for the first turnover of the ballgame.

Lincoln (0-3, 0-3 MIAA) drove deep into UCO territory on the ensuing possession, but a missed field goal kept the Blue Tigers off the board. The LU defense forced a punt on the Broncho's final possession of the opening quarter, but an interception returned for a score sprung Central Oklahoma onto a 28-0 second period. The Bronchos held on in the second half to secure the win.

The Blue Tigers ran the ball well for the third-straight week, gaining 175 yards, led by Hosea Franklin with 73 yards on 18 carries. Michael Jones, Jr. added 38 yards on the ground while Chancellor Johnson rushed for 37 yards. The LU defense also forced three fumbles, with Elliott Albert breaking up a pass.

Alexander led Lincoln with nine tackles and forced a fumble to go with his recovery. Chavon Gross and Sanders each made seven tackles, with Gross additionally providing a tackle for loss. TeAndre Skinner, meanwhile, made six takedowns. In the kicking game, Javier Moreno averaged 60.0 yards on kickoffs while Reagan Harrell averaged 36.3 yards punting with a long of 50 yards.

Lincoln will return home to play its fourth-consecutive road game next Saturday (Sept. 28) as LU hosts Emporia State at 6:00 p.m. CDT.