Game Statistics
EDMOND (Sept. 27) – #T.J. Shaw#'s last-second interception capped a dominating defensive performance that carried Central Oklahoma to its first win of the 2008 season Saturday night at Wantland Stadium as the Bronchos held off Texas A&M-Commerce, 21-13.
UCO limited the Lions to just 172 yards in 78 snaps, racking up 16 tackles for loss – including three sacks – and picking off three passes. Shaw's interception was the clincher, coming with 31 seconds left at the Broncho 40-yard-line to end a last-ditch A&M-C drive.
First-year head coach Tracy Holland picked up his initial win at the UCO helm and the Bronchos ended a six-game losing streak dating back to last season – and a four-game home skid – in the Lone Star Conference North Division opener for both teams.
UCO improved to 1-4 on the year, 1-3 in the overall league standings and 1-0 in the LSC North, while the Lions fell to 2-3, 2-2 and 0-1.
“It was a great win for our football team and I can't say enough about how hard our players fought tonight,” Holland said. “Our defense was incredible and they kept coming up with big play after big play. This was a big step for us and we want to build on it.”
Tackle Jermelle Cudjo and linebacker #K.C. Asiodu# spearheaded the defense, each making 10 tackles. Cudjo added a sack and another tackle for loss, while Asiodu had three tackles for loss, an interception and pass broken up.
The Bronchos also got nine tackles each from cornerback Matt Gates and linebackers Terry Hardeman and Terrence Hill, with end Freddie Harris adding two sacks and safety Marcus Martinez scoring on a 40-yard interception return.
UCO managed just 231 yards, with Da'Marean Pullen rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries and Ryan Gallimore catching three passes for 94 yards and a score to lead the way.
Courtney Edmond gave the Lions the lead early in the second quarter with a 19-yard interception return, but A&M-C missed the extra point and the Bronchos went on top 7-6 minutes later on Martinez's return
The senior picked off a Trent Miller pass at the A&M-C 40 and, after bobbling the ball for five yards, rambled in untouched for the tying score. Chad Susman added the extra point and UCO had the lead for good.
The Bronchos went up 14-6 minutes later on a 44-yard touchdown pass from Alex Gibson to Gallimore, with Gallimore gathering in a tipped pass at the 25 and racing the rest of the way for the score.
A&M-C pulled within 14-13 with 4:05 left in the third period on Miller's five-yard TD pass and UCO answered back early in the fourth quarter with the clinching score.
It was a quick-strike drive, with the Bronchos covering 67 yards in just two plays. Brandon Noohi rolled out and found Gallimore open for a 49-yard gain on the first play, then Pullen roared up the middle on a tackle-breaking 18-yard TD romp to make it 21-13.
UCO's defense did the rest, though there were some anxious moments in the final minute after the Lions took over at their own 44 with 1:08 left.
A&M-C picked up one first down to the UCO 45, but Miller was picked off by Shaw at the 40 on the next play and he returned in 26 yards to seal the win.
The Bronchos go on the road for a non-conference game at Southwest Baptist next week.
