HAYS, Kan. - The Lincoln football team gave up just seven points in the first quarter, but Fort Hays State pulled away in the second to hand the Blue Tigers a loss in their first road game of the 2021 season on Saturday night (Sept. 18). Fort Hays State defeated the Blue Tigers, 72-0, in Lincoln's first road game since Nov. 9, 2019.

Zamar Brake completed 15 passes for 155 yards, and Desmond Hunter completed all three of his pass attempts as neither quarterback threw an interception. Winston Ausmer led the receiving corps with seven catches for 63 yards, and Tori Hicks made two grabs for 28 yards. Samuel Ingoli had three receptions, and Chrisshun Robinson had two while Charles Johnson caught one pass for 25 yards.

Fort Hays State (1-2, 1-2 MIAA) took an early 7-0 lead after capitalizing on an LU fumble, but Lincoln (0-2, 0-2 MIAA) kept the high-scoring FHSU offense off the board for the rest of the first quarter. On the ensuing possession, Lincoln drove down to the FHSU 13, thanks in large part to receptions of 16 and 29 yards by Ausmer. LU was held to a field goal attempt, however, and the try was no good.

FHSU drove deep into LU territory on its next possession, but Elliott Albert ended the threat by intercepting a pass at the one-yard line. Early in the second quarter, Fort Hays State managed to score a safety, and the Blue Tigers were kept off the scoreboard despite driving into FHSU territory on two more drives before halftime.

TeAndre Skinner recorded a tackle for loss and led the LU defense with nine tackles while Albert had eight and Caleb Rozar and Cody Bagby each finished with seven apiece. Charles Robertson and Chris Parker each broke up passes, with Robertson tying Jaylon Mosley with six tackles while Parker and Stanley Mageo each made five takedowns. Clayton Winkler had two punts go longer than 50 yards and averaged 43 yards per punt and 46.5 yards on kickoffs.

Lincoln returns home next Saturday (Sept. 25) to host Northeastern State at 2:00 p.m. CDT on the 50th anniversary of the first-ever football game played at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.