Brandon Noohi-Ryan Gallimore tandem lifts UCO past Northeastern
UCO 47, Northeastern 38

By Matt Patterson, Staff Writer Comments 0
Published: November 8, 2009

EDMOND — Central Oklahoma’s game with Northeastern was pushed back 30 minutes because one of NSU’s buses broke down on the Turner Turnrpike, but the delay did little to cool off Brandon Noohi and Ryan Gallimore.

Noohi threw six touchdown passes, with four going to fellow senior Gallimore, in UCO’s 47-38, season-ending win over the RiverHawks on Saturday afternoon at Wantland Stadium. It was a UCO single-game record for touchdown passes and touchdown receptions for Noohi and Gallimore.

Noohi finished with 306 yards passing with one interception. Gallimore caught eight passes for 143 yards. It was a terrific showing in their final game together.

"He’s my best friend,” Noohi said, choking back emotion. "It was great to play one more game with him. I really don’t know what to say. I love this game. To go out and break another record and see the smiles on my teammates’ faces is an amazing way to end it.”

UCO (4-7) needed all the offense it could muster as NSU (2-9) piled up 380 yards of total offense and broke out to an early 7-0 lead. UCO led 28-21 at the half, and the rest of the game was back and forth before UCO finally pulled away.

UCO coach Tracy Holland knew Noohi and Gallimore would have to be huge factors if his team was to finish the season with a win.

"For us to have success today they knew they would have to step up first,” Holland said. "We really put a lot on this game. To see those two guys step up is a testament to their character and the quality of the way they play.”

For the Bronchos, it’s a bittersweet ending to the season. UCO won three of its last four games but struggled in the first half of the season, playing most of its games on the road. Last season the Bronchos rallied from an 0-4 start to win their final seven games.

"It’s been a rough season,” Gallimore said. "We got things clicking. Regardless of what our record is, I’m going to leave this program proud of what we’ve accomplished.”