Panthers turn the ball over five times in 33-10 loss to Washington University
Oct. 6, 2007

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Washington University took advantage of five LaGrange turnovers and went on to a 33-10 win Saturday at Francis Field. The Bears improved to 5-1 and are off to their best start since 2001. The Panthers, still seeking the program's first ever victory, fell to 0-6 on the season.

The Panthers had 302 yards of total offense, including a season-high 176 yards rushing. Mario Wallace rushed for a game-high 136 yards and finished with 281 all-purpose yards.

In the first half, the Panthers moved the ball and led in the stats but four turnovers led to all of the Bears' points and stopped a late first half drive. They were a perfect 5-for-5 on fourth down plays in the first half but 0-for-9 on third down conversions.

The Panthers took the opening kickoff and held the ball for over 10 minutes, driving to the Washington 18. They converted on three fourth down plays to keep the drive going. But two straight penalties stalled the drive and Josh Stripling's 35-yard field goal attempt went wide.

Justin Strickland's interception of a Buck Smith pass on the Bears' ensuing possession gave the Panthers great field position at midfield. A 23-yard pass completion from Carter to Eric Miller gave the Panthers a first down at the Bears' 16 yard line. But on the next play, Wallace fumbled the ball and Tim Machan scooped up the ball and returned it 81 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

The Panthers turned it over on their next two possessions and the Bears converted each time. Matt Glenn's 5-yard run ended an 8-play 41-yard drive after Nathan Winn's fumble. Brandon Brown intercepted Carter's pass to set up the Bears at the Panthers' 17-yard line. Two plays later, Jim O'Brien ran it in from 10 yards out to put Washington up 20-0.

The Panthers got on the board with five minutes left in the half. Stripling kicked a 40-yard field goal to make it 20-3. Wallace's 42-yard kickoff return gave the Panthers great field position at the Bears' 36-yard line.

Late in the half, the Panthers threatened again. Starting from their own 17, the Panthers moved the ball downfield. Wallace ripped off 26 yards on the first play to the 43. On a fourth-and-1 from the Washington 48, Carter threw 29 yards to Nick Langley to the 18. But three plays later, Tyler McSparin intercepted Carter's pass to kill the threat.

The Panthers got in the end zone with their first possession of the second half. Wallace scampered 63 yards on the Panthers' first play of the half to cut the Bears' lead to 20-10.

Washington increased its lead late in the third quarter. The Bears went 80 yards in 13 plays to go up 27-10. Smith finished the drive with a 5-yard pass to Joe Lubelski.

The Bears closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter. Machan stopped a Panther scoring threat with an interception and returned it to the Panthers' 36-yard line. Glenn finished the drive with his second touchdown of the day, scoring from 13 yards out.

The Panthers host Mississippi College next Saturday at 1:30 p.m.