The Blue Raiders (1-0) outscored the Phoenix (0-1) 14-8 in the final 15 minutes to secure the team’s ninth-ever fourth-quarter comeback.
Lindsey Wilson and Cumberland traded scores early with the Phoenix scoring a touchdown on their third-straight possession to take a 21-13 lead in the second quarter.
The Phoenix marched 75 yards in five minutes for their first score. Kris Parker ignited the drive with a 20-yard rush to the Lindsey Wilson 23. Two plays later Kendall Johnson found the end zone on a nine-yard run.
Lindsey Wilson responded with a touchdown of their own on the ensuing possession. Dylan Beasley connected on a 49-yard pass to Cedric Washington for the score.
Taking advantage of a short field, Cumberland scored their second touchdown on a three-yard Johnson run from three yards out.
The Blue Raiders relied on the arm of Beasley for their second score. The junior quarterback threw the ball three times on the drive for 36 yards, including a 24-yard scoring strike to Allen Cooks. However, Lindsey Wilson missed the PAT and trailed 14-13.
Parker rushed for his second touchdown of the night to give the Phoenix a 21-13 edge. Back-to-back completions by Dezmon Huntley placed Cumberland six yards from the end zone, and Parker punched it in with 14:02 remaining.
The Phoenix outgained the Blue Raiders 150-37 in the second quarter, including a 98 to 17 edge in the air. Cumberland held a sizeable edge in the rushing game – outrushing Lindsey Wilson 170 to 80.
The Blue Raiders’ defense stiffened in the third quarter and limited the Phoenix to 79 total yards. The improved defense, coupled with an eight-play, 88-yard touchdown drive pulled Lindsey Wilson to within three points as the third expired.
A 47-yard pass from Jayven Jones to Washington ignited the scoring drive. Seven plays later, Blake Ingleton punched it in from eight yards out for the score.
Lindsey Wilson’s defense forced a three-and-out on the next Cumberland possession, and the Blue Raiders capitalized by scoring their second-straight touchdown to pull in front 26-21. The 40-yard scoring drive required only three plays and was punctuated by another Ingleton rush into the end zone.
The Phoenix scored five minutes later to regain the lead, 29-26.
The Blue Raiders regained the ball on their own 43 with 7:52 remaining and began a nine-play, 57-yard touchdown drive to take the lead. The drive appeared to stall on 3rd and 14, but a personal foul on Cumberland gave the Blue Raiders a new set of downs.
That penalty was one of eight for Cumberland. Lindsey Wilson committed only one foul for 10 yards. The edge in penalty yards helped negate the Phoenix’s 476-352 edge in total yards gained.
With new life, Beasley moved Lindsey Wilson down the field to the Phoenix 23, where he uncorked a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Sublett.
Beasley completed 13 of his 24 attempts for 169 yards and three touchdowns.
Cumberland rushed the ball 50 times for 341 yards and four touchdowns.
Lindsey Wilson returns to action on Sep. 3 for their home opener against Lyon (Ark.). Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT.