BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Birmingham-Southern football opened up their season in an impressive way and claiming dominance over the nickname "Panthers." After a slow start both the BSC offense and defense played nearly flawless football in the second half to beat the LaGrange Panthers 42-17.

The game started with a three-and-out by Birmingham-Southern gaining just two yards. After the change in possessions LaGrange struck first on their second play of the game with a 59 yard touchdown pass to open up the scoring. BSC would respond with an eight play, 61 yard drive to tie the game at 7-7 after Trey Patterson found a seem to scramble to and score for the Panthers. 

After swapping punts the next couple of drives, Birmingham-Southern found their groove with a 6 play, 80 yard drive capped off by a 45-yard touchdown run from none other than Robert Shufford. Unfortunately, LaGrange quickly responded and tied the game at 14-14 with 6:27 remaining in the first half. After a three-and-out LaGrange would tack on a field goal at the end of the first half to take a 17-14 lead into halftime. 

With LaGrange having won the toss to begin the game and choosing to defer to the second half, they choose to receive to start the second half. On the ensuing kickoff Asanté Ferrell came screaming down the field to force a fumble that was ultimately recovered by Court Coley at the LaGrange 22 yard line. BSC capitalized on the turnover, punching the ball in for six to take a 20-17 lead before Zach Ford tacked on the extra point to make it a 21-17 lead. 

BSC would get the ball back after the LaGrange drive ended with a punt. A methodical 12 play, 84 yard drive, that spanned five minutes and 56 seconds ended in a Panther touchdown extending their lead to 28-17. Birmingham-Southern would take that lead into the fourth quarter. 

The fourth quarter was much of the same for BSC. The Panthers tacked on two more scores coming from Tavion Flemming and Robert Shufford. The defense made major adjustments at half not allowing LaGrange to score or reach the red zone in the second half. 

BSC dictated the game in the second half and it paid off in a 42-17 win in their home and season opener. 

Words from the student-athletes


Records
Birmingham-Southern 1-0 Overall (0-0 SAA), LaGrange College 0-1 Overall (0-1 USA South)

News and notes
> BSC improved to 8-5 all-time against LaGrange. 
> The 42 points scored tonight are the second most the Panthers have scored against LaGrange. 
> The last time Shufford rushed for more than 190 yards was Nov. 16, 2019. 
>  This is DeArman's first 3+ tackle for loss game in his career. 

Up next
The Panthers will take to the road next week as they travel to Montgomery, Ala. as they take on in-state Rival Huntingdon College. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.