Thu, Nov 26 2009
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Big decisions impact MSSU’s win over Hornets “I thought our defense was playing well,” Higgins said. “We had just moved the football 70 yards, and Zach Rampy (quarterback) had come in and given us spark offensively. We wanted to make sure we get points on the board. I didn't want to take any points off the board, so that's why we took the field goal."
Tatum had one more decision to make, but it came with the complete endorsement of his staff. Ahead 19-18 with 1:21 remaining, the Lions faced fourth-and-8 from the ESU 10. A field goal would give the Lions a four-point lead, forcing the Hornets to score a touchdown to win the game, but a blocked field goal possibly could be returned to set up a winning score. The Lions went for the touchdown, but Hinspeter's pass to Isaac Norman was unknowingly broken up by linebacker Blake Ringwall. "My defensive staff was begging for us to go for the touchdown, begging," Tatum said. "We had Isaac, who crossed right like he was supposed to, and the linebacker just turned, and the ball ricocheted off the back of his shoulder. He wasn't even looking. 'Ike' was open in the back of the end zone, and we just didn't squeeze it into him." Names and numbers • The Lions' victory Saturday was their third MIAA road victory in three seasons under Tatum. The first two also were one-pointers — 34-33 over Emporia State in 2006 and 17-16 over Southwest Baptist last season. • Hinspeter's five-yard completion to Johnny Johnson early in the second quarter pushed Hinspeter's career total past 8,000 passing yards. With 8,076 yards, he ranks third in conference history behind Missouri Western's Kasey Waterman (10,025) and Truman State's Eric Howe (9,097). • The Lions' defense came up with two takeaways — linebacker Jared Brawner's interception in the second quarter and Terrance Scott's 43-yard fumble return that set up the go-ahead touchdown in the third period. The Hornets had only one turnover in their first four games. • The Lions were better on fourth-down conversions (2 of 3) than third-down conversions (1 of 11). For the season the Lions have converted 11 of 14 on fourth down and 25 of 73 on third down. • The Lions (3-2, 1-2 MIAA) play four of their final six games at home, starting with Saturday's 2 p.m. homecoming game against Washburn. 
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