ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Colorado State arrived in St. Charles for today’s opening round Playoff game, but didn’t step off the bus prepared to compete with a Lindenwood side that scored early and often on its way to a 69-12 win.

Cameron Reed struck first with a converted try just seven minutes in, and scrum half Giovanni Falco soon followed to give the host a quick double-digit lead. Unable to slow Lindenwood’s early momentum, four more Lions would score, including two from Gabe Farley, to drive the steep advantage to 45-0 by halftime.

Colorado State would put its first points on the board near the 55th-minute mark when flanker Ben Pinkelman got beyond the end line and the team struck again 15 minutes later. However, the two tries would only act as a minor moral victory, as Lindenwood doubled the Rams’ second half scoring output to seal the convincing win.

The clinical performance earns Lindenwood a trip to the United States Air Force Academy and a place in the D1A Quarterfinals. The 10th-ranked Zoomies earned a Round 1 bye after squeezing out the West Conference title over Colorado State based on point differential, but should have their hands full with the Lions.