SU Football: You've got to be kidding

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Seventy-three points, 723 yards of total offense, and a quarterback who accounted for 581 yards, and oh wait, nine touchdowns.

This has to be from a Madden game. It defies all logic to have a team put up that many yards, and that many points in a single game.

Wrong.

This was an offensive mauling that only the Shippensburg University football team could have produced.

In fact, it is starting to become a trend for the Raiders — let your opponent score, and then blitzkrieg them into oblivion. That is exactly what SU did to spoil Kutztown University’s Homecoming in a downright bludgeoning 73–35 on Saturday afternoon.

The 723 yards of total offense tied a Division II high for this season. In fact, the Raiders needed every one of those touchdowns, and every one of those yards against KU. The Golden Bears had a fantastic day as well, totaling 556 yards — it just was not enough.

The Raiders, led by Zach Zulli and Trevor Harman, showed the Golden Bears why they had the nation’s No. 1 offense as it matched KU score for score early on. The offensive beat-down produced over 200 yards in the first quarter alone and 56 points in the first half.

KU’s Kevin Morton had an impressive showing on Saturday, throwing for 479 yards and three touchdowns including a dazzling dagger that cut SU’s lead to 45-35 early in the fourth quarter.

However, Morton’s miscues helped give the game away.

The SU defense picked off Morton three times in the contest, including a decisive interception early in the fourth quarter. That interception and a lost fumble gave SU the momentum to finish off the game — SU scored 21 straight points in the quarter to put the game away.

However, penalties maimed the Raiders early. Morton and the Golden Bear offense were able to capitalize on a 15-yard personal foul penalty in the second quarter to take a 14–7 lead — it was the last lead KU held.

The Raiders had a record-breaking performance across the board. Zulli tied the PSAC record for most touchdowns in a game (9) and set school records for completions and passing yards (581). Harman set school records in receptions (18) and receiving yards (288). His five touchdown receptions also tied a PSAC record.

SU will once again enter hostile territory next Saturday as it travels to West Chester University for a 2 p.m. matchup. WCU, coming off a 41–6 win against LIU Post, will try to make-up ground in the PSAC race on its Homecoming weekend.