By Justin Sweitzer, Staff Writer
The KU Golden Bears faced the Gannon Golden Knights in their third game of the season on Sept. 19, 2015 at Andre Reed Stadium. The Golden Bears fell victim to Gannon’s superior offense, losing 66-31, and going 1-2 in their overall record.
KU came into this game with some momentum after defeating the IUP Crimson Hawks by coming back from a 21-point deficit for their first victory of the year. It also marked the largest deficit overcome in school history.
The Golden Bears once again fell behind early, this time to the Golden Knights.
Gannon’s quarterback Liam Nadler, imposed his will on the Golden Bears’ defense early, throwing four touchdowns in the first half alone.
KU found the end zone once in the first half on a 70-yard pass from quarterback Chad Barton to wide receiver Kellen Williams.
This was the only touchdown of the half for the Golden Bears, as they lost possession on two separate drives due to untimely turnovers; an interception and a fumble.
KU did not give up in the second half, as quarterback Barton threw three more touchdowns, four total for the day, and racked up 412 passing yards. Williams led the Golden Bears in receiving, totaling two touchdowns and 176 yards.
The Golden Bears offensive efforts were not enough to bring them back into the game. KU’s defense seemingly could not find an answer for the Golden Knights’ offensive onslaught.
Nadler continued what he started in the first half, throwing yet another touchdown, bringing his total for the day to five, with 412 passing yards as well.
If that wasn’t enough for the Golden Bears’ struggling defense, Gannon’s run game was on point as well. Three of Gannon’s four touchdowns in the second half came from running the ball, adding insult to injury to an already wounded Golden Bears squad.
Fortunately, KU seems to be no slouch in the pass game. Barton has had three straight games with over 350 passing yards, and spread the ball to four different receivers against Gannon, showing the dynamic nature of the team at that position.
Williams and Kodi Reed are particularly dangerous weapons, and continue to emerge as KU’s top receivers.
The KU Golden Bears will look to rebound from this loss on Sept. 26, when they travel to Cheyney, Pa. to take on the Cheyney Wolves.
This will be their first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference game of the season, adding even more of an incentive for the Golden Bears to come back strong.