The same weekend the Pierre Governor football team would win its seventh consecutive title, Pierre native, Lincoln Kienholz would play in his first collegiate game at Ohio State in a blowout win over Michigan State.
Ohio State would top the Spartans 38-3 and continue to be unbeaten at now 10-0. After a couple of plays to begin the fourth quarter, Kienholz would get his chance to step out onto the field in Columbus and take his first snap. After a pick up on the ground of six and a 2nd and four, Kienholz would throw his first attempt and complete his first pass to Jelani Thurman for 14 yards. Kienholz and Thurman again would complete a pass for four yards. Kienholz would have one more attempt, a throw to the end zone which was broken up for his only incompletion of the night. The drive would end with a field goal. He finished two of three for 18 yards. Kienholz says it was exciting to get into the game…
Kienholz says he had a lot of messages from friends and family after the game on Saturday…
Kienholz says it was a special moment for both him and Thurman making the first completion and catch of each other’s careers…
Kienholz did say after coach Ryan Day had told him he was most likely going to get into the game in the second half, it didn’t feel like it took longer…
Freshmen can play in four games without losing a year of eligibility and as of now, Kienholz can still redshirt his freshman year.
*Picture is from the NBC broadcast.
