BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham-Southern football team was defeated by rival #23 Berry on Saturday in the final home game of the 2023 season.

After a great opening kickoff return out to the Berry 43, the Vikings marched down the field and scored the opening TD on a Brandon Cade three yard rush. The Panthers were forced to punt on their opening possession and gave the ball back to Berry on their own 29. They then drove down the field, and Brandon Cade scored his second TD of the night from 18 yards out. Down two scores early, 'Southern looked to score on their next possession. However, the Vikings defense forced a fumble and gave the ball back to their offense. Brandon Cade then scored his third TD of the first quarter on a 30 yard burst up the middle to make the score 21-0.

On the first drive of the second quarter, the Berry defense forced another turnover this time on an interception at midfield. However, the Panthers defense came up big on 4th and 1 from the BSC 41 after a stop by David Cresson Jr. to get the ball back. The BSC offense went three-and-out and on 4th down, the Vikings special teams blocked the punt for a TD to extend the lead to 29-0. On the next Berry possession, Brandon Cade scored his fourth touchdown of the night on a one yard run to take a huge 36-0 lead. Both teams failed to score on their next drives, and Berry went into the break in total control.

The Panthers failed to get a first down on the opening drive of the second half. The Vikings then marched down the field and scored a rushing TD courtesy of Josh Rogers to go up 43-0. On the next BSC possession, Brock Skinner intercepted his second pass of the night to give the ball right back to his offense. Three plays later, QB Blake Hembree found his receiver Bryce Herring wide open for a 51-yard touchdown pass to go up 50-0. 

To start the fourth quarter, Matt McClary delivered a strike to Thomas Speed for a 28-yard score to get the Panthers on the board. The Vikings would get a field goal on their next drive to extend their lead to 53-6 where the score remained. Berry went home winners on the night 53-6 in their quest for a national tournament bid.

Records
Birmingham-Southern 3-6 (2-5 SAA), Berry 8-1 (6-1 SAA).
 
Up Next
The Panthers will travel to Danville, Ky. to take on Centre in the final game of the 2023 season. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m.