The Griffins opened their 2018 season with a road contest at Virginia Union in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday afternoon.  SHU led 28-21 but surrendered the final thirteen points of the game, the final six in overtime as the Panthers knocked off the Griffins 34-28 in overtime.

The Panthers opened the contest with a four play, 91 yard drive to take a quick 7-0 lead over the Griffins.  SHU did not waste any time in responding as Ryan Barabe hit Ardell Brown with a 66 yard touchdown pass to tie the score at seven less than four minutes into the first quarter.  Virginia Union answered right back with a six play, 71 yard drive to retake the lead at 14-7 with 9:39 left in the quarter.  The Griffin offense came right back with a touchdown drive of their own.  The final play of the drive was a 17 yard TD pass from Barabe to Brown.  The extra point was blocked and SHU trailed 14-13 with 4:46 to play in the first half. 

After forcing a Panther punt, the Griffins went on a long fourteen play drive only to see it end on the Panthers nine yard line after a fumble.  The defense forced a turnover on downs on the next Panther possession.  The heavy rains began to fall and it affected the Griffin punt in which they fumbled and the Panthers took over at the Griffin three yard line.  The Panthers punched it in on the next play and took a 21-13 lead with 2:22 to play in the half. The Griffins trimmed the lead to 21-19 after an 18 yard TD pass from Barabe to Brown late in the first half.  The two point conversion attempt failed and the Griffins trailed 21-19 at the half.

The first four possessions of the second half did not result in points.  The Griffins took their first lead of the game when Logan Wiland scored from three yards out to give the Griffins a 26-21 lead with 6:28 left in the third quarter.  The Griffin defense stepped up on the next two Panther drives.  Tyler Affa forced a fumble on the first drive with Jai Dixon recovering the fumble.  After Matt Stewart pinned the Panthers at the seven yard line, Dixon made another big play, forcing an intentional grounding in the endzone which resulted in a safety.  SHU led 28-21 after the third quarter. 

Seton Hill had a chance to extend their lead on their first possession of the fourth quarter.  They had a first and goal from the three yard line.  Three runs, including an option run from Barabe moved the ball just one yard setting up a 19 yard field goal attempt that was blocked, giving the Panthers the ball back.  VUU used 4:40 to drive 66 yards and tie the score at 28 with 3:36 left in the game.  Neither team was able to score on their last drive and the game went into overtime. 

SHU took over at the 25 for their first possession of overtime but they went picked off in the endzone giving the Panthers the chance to end the game on their possession.  They took advantage and scored from three yards out for the 34-28 win.

Barabe finished the day 19-32 for 286 yards and three touchdowns.  Brown finished with six catches for 164 yards and three touchdowns.  Malik Scott led the defense with 11 tackles. 

SHU will continue on the road next weekend then they travel to East Stroudsburg for a 6 PM kickoff.