PITTSBURG, Kan. - Pittsburg State took advantage of a big first quarter and kept the Blue Tigers off the board in the second half as the Lincoln football team dropped a 59-7 decision on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 16).

Hosea Franklin scored the touchdown for Lincoln (0-6, 0-6 MIAA) and came up just a yard shy of his fourth-straight 100-yard performance. Franklin finished with 99 yards on 25 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per rush, and Tori Hicks averaged 4.7 yards per carry while gaining 42 yards on the ground. Hicks also added 49 yards on three kickoff returns.

Zamar Brake passed for 92 yards, with Charles Johnson leading LU's receivers with three catches for 47 yards. Winston Ausmer, meanwhile, caught two passes for 18 yards. On special teams, Clayton Winkler averaged 36.3 yards on six punts, including one that traveled 51 yards.

Pittsburg State (5-2, 5-2 MIAA) raced to a 21-0 first quarter lead, and capitalized on two Blue Tiger interceptions. The Lincoln defense limited the Gorillas to just three successful third down conversions in seven attempts, and kept PSU from converting on its only fourth down attempt of the afternoon. Lincoln also allowed Pittsburg State to complete just 14 passes.

Leading the LU defense were LaMarr Spencer with 10 tackles and Elliott Albert with seven. Charles Robertson blocked a kick and compiled seven tackles, including one for a loss. Chris Parker broke up a pass and also made seven tackles, and Cody Bagby finished with five stops, including a tackle for loss. Zyan Thomas-King, Jaylon Mosley, Dontonio Moore and TeAndre Skinner each recorded four tackles.

Lincoln remains on the road next Saturday (Oct. 23) to play Nebraska Kearney. Kickoff in Kearney, Neb. is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CDT.