PINE BLUFF, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team trailed by just four points at the opponent's three yard line with five seconds remaining in the inaugural game at Simmons Bank Field when it fumbled the ball, ending a six play 41-yard drive after Golden Lions quarterback Shannon Patrick completed 17-of-25 passes and torched the Maroon Tigers defense with 451 passing yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Josh Wilkes and Patrick connected on seven passes for a school record 244 yards receiving and two touchdowns, including a 77-yard bomb, but it wasn't enough as Morehouse College escaped with a 34-30 victory in the season opener in the debut of head coach Cedric Thomas.

As a team UAPB had a total of 579 yards of offense while the Maroon Tigers finished with 568 yards of offense. Both team punted eight times apiece. UAPB running back Taeyler Porter rushed 20 times for 109 yards and a touchdown while teammate Kolby McNeal produced three catches for 101 yards in the heartbreaking loss in front of a packed house.

UAPB's Dejuan Miller and Tyrin Ralph also caught three balls each for 58 yards and 51 yards respectively. Ralph added a touchdown reception before the final whistle.

On the defensive end, it was Shawn Steele who led the way with a total of 12 tackles (nine unassisted) while fellow Golden Lion JeKevin Carter finished with a total of eight tackles.

Jalen Steward chipped in with seven tackles while Xavier Mitchell finished with 6.5 tackles.

As a team Morehouse rushed the ball 48 times for a total of 305 yards while UAPB rushed 32 times for 116 yards. UAPB aired it out and finished with 463 net passing yards and held its opponent to 262 yards in the air. 

UAPB (0-1) returns to action on Saturday, September 8 as it plays host to Cumberland University (Tenn.). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field.