Lamar Cardinals Secure Thrilling 23-21 Victory Over UT Rio Grande Valley
BEAUMONT, Texas – In a dramatic finish, the Lamar Cardinals emerged victorious against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, clinching a tight 23-21 win. The decisive moment came with just over a minute left in the game when kicker Ben Woodard drilled a program-tying 57-yard field goal, extending Lamar’s win streak to six games.
Game Overview
The Cardinals, now boasting a 6-1 record with a perfect 3-0 in the Southland Conference, initially controlled the game. They entered halftime with a 20-7 lead. However, the Vaqueros (5-2, 1-2 Southland) orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter, with quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger throwing two touchdown passes that propelled them to a one-point lead with just under ten minutes remaining.
Fourth Quarter Drama
With tension high, Lamar faced a moment of uncertainty after going three-and-out on their next possession. Yet, they quickly regained composure and covered an impressive 48 yards on their following drive, setting the stage for Woodard’s go-ahead kick. The Vaqueros’ last opportunity to reclaim the lead ended abruptly as Mar Mar Evans was intercepted at the Lamar 34-yard line, sealing the Cardinals’ victory.
Key Players
Woodard’s remarkable performance included not only the 57-yard field goal—tying the record previously set by Mike Andrie against Arkansas State in 1987—but also a 53-yarder at the end of the second half and a 30-yarder earlier in the game.
Cardinals’ quarterback Aiden McCown completed 17 of his 23 passes for 203 yards, contributing two touchdowns and one interception. Additionally, he showcased his versatility with 88 rushing yards. Receiver Blake Thomas emerged as a key target, finishing with 77 yards and a touchdown, while Kyndon Fuselier added another touchdown reception.
On the opposing side, Marburger completed 9 of 21 passes for 106 yards, with touchdown throws to Xayvion Noland and Tavian Cord. Running back Nathan Denney contributed significantly as well, rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Conclusion
The thrilling matchup not only highlights Lamar’s resilience and talent but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season. As the Cardinals continue their journey in the Southland Conference, they remain a formidable opponent for any team. For fans looking to stay updated, explore the AP Top 25 college football poll and get the latest updates on Lamar’s performance.
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