The Truman State University Bulldogs quickly scored on their first two possessions — making it 10-0 — against the University of Indianapolis, but the Greyhounds came out on top, winning 34-19 against the Bulldogs in last Saturday’s football game.
Senior defensive back Jordan Brown said the punt return from UIndy was a momentum changer within the game, but he said he thinks like they played a tough game.
“For the most part, I feel as if we played well,” Brown said. “We forced turnovers and tackled very well against two of the best running backs in the GLVC. We just let up too many explosive plays that are easily correctable.”
| Second Quarter Possessions | |
| Truman | Indianapolis |
| PUNT | PUNT |
| PUNT | FUMB |
| FG | TD |
| HALF | TD |
Head coach Gregg Nesbitt said it was the most competitive game the ‘Dogs have played with Indianapolis, who is currently undefeated and in the top 10 nationally. The Greyhound offense is the best in the GLVC, averaging 35.8 points per game, 180 rushing yards per game and 11.2 yards per passing play.
Nesbitt said there were too many critical errors in multiple areas of the game. He said the Truman defense played well against the UIndy offense, but not well enough to win the game. The Bulldogs were only able to limit the Greyhounds to 10 points and 75 yards below their season average.
Moving forward, Nesbitt said the key is to improve as a whole. He said very few teams are able to maintain focus, health and a positive attitude, but this is the goal for the rest of the 2017 season.
Freshman tight end Jake Ellis said playing as a true freshman as opposed to taking a redshirt year has been a good experience because of the high level of competition. He said the biggest difference from high school to college football is the physicality of the game. Ellis said the team’s consistency is something it can improve in all three phases from the UIndy game.
After seven of the last eight games being on the road, Nesbitt said this upcoming game against Southwest Baptist University on Saturday feels like the real home opener for the ‘Dogs, especially because the only home game was delayed by thunderstorms. It will be the first of two games between the top 2 teams in the GLVC last season. The game starts at 1 p.m. Oct. 7 at Stokes Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN3.