INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) football team earned a comeback 31-28 victory over the No. 18 Marian University Knights in the Franciscan Bowl on Saturday, October 26, improving the Cougars' record to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in MSFA Midwest play. 

After a scoreless first 14 minutes of action, Marian was able to score on a one-yard run to take a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Knights scored twice in the second period en route to a 21-0 lead with less than five minutes to play in the first half. The USF defense came away with a stop as Marian was trying to move the chains on 4th and 1 on the Saint Francis 49-yard line, forcing a turnover on downs to give USF the ball back with 1:16 on the clock. The Cougars marched down the field, setting up a five-yard touchdown pass from Joshua Kulka to Lenny Bennett to cut the Knights' lead to 21-7 at halftime. 

Kulka connected with Adjaye Dandridge for a 20-yard touchdown at the 10:10 mark of the third quarter to bring the Cougars within seven points to the tie game. Less than six minutes later, Dandridge caught a 31-yard pass to make the score 21-21 for his second touchdown of the afternoon. Marian responded with a touchdown in the fourth quarter to retake the lead. The Cougars tied the score again at 28-28 when Jared Almeida scored on an 11-yard reception, catching a pass from Kulka that was batted twice in the air and ended up in the arms of the starting center near the end zone. The USF defense forced Marian to punt the ball away with just over a minute left to play in Saturday's game, giving Saint Francis the ball back on their own 31-yard line. After Saint Francis was able to move down the field before the clock ran out, freshman Austin Deleon scored the game-winning points after converting a 27-yard field goal to secure the 31-28 victory and snap the Knights' six-game win streak. 

The Cougars put together 384 total yards of offense, compared to Marian's 346. Kulka completed 34-45 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. David Smith finished the afternoon with 78 rushing yards on 13 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Bennett added 37 rushing yards and a touchdown. Dandridge brought in eight passes for 90 total yards, an average of 11.3 yards per catch. Adam Smith finished the afternoon with seven receptions for 47 yards. Deleon finished the afternoon making all four on extra point attempts and the game-winning field goal.

Defensively, Saint Francis sacked the Marian quarterback six times, resulting in a total loss of 40 yards. Jaydin Evans led USF with 11 total tackles, including seven solo. The senior linebacker also contributed to a sack for a loss of four yards. Tra'shaun Jones had 10 total tackles and also assisted on a sack. Connor Price, AJ Moore, Marquise Cross, Trey Morrell, Ladre Harris, and Chamaar Smith were all also credited with sacks. Morrell, Nate Newcomer and Shayne Spear each had a pass breakup, while Cross added a QB hurry and Smith recovered a fumble during Saturday's game.

Up next, USF football (6-2, 2-0) will return to Bishop John M. D'Arcy Stadium on November 2 for an MSFA Midwest matchup against St. Francis (Ill.).

Cougar fans can stay updated on all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com.