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SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – The No. 7 Shippensburg University football team was humbled in its 2013 season opener Saturday by No. 25 Shepherd, as the Red Raiders committed six turnovers and possessed the ball for less than 18 minutes in a 33-0 loss to the Rams in the 16th Great Valley Classic. 

Shippensburg (0-1) managed just 217 yards of total offense – 140 of which came through the air by senior quarterback Zach Zulli. With the exception of a 56-yard completion in the second quarter to junior wide Trevor Harman, the Red Raiders were limited to an average of just 2.6 yards over 61 plays.

Shepherd (1-0) executed its ball-control offense with great success – running the ball 56 times for 243 yards on Saturday. Sophomore Allen Cross and redshirt-freshman Jabre Lolley combined for 201 of those rushing yards – with Lolley finding the end zone on two occasions.

The Rams – who controlled the ball for 42:37 – only attempted 26 passes but quarterback Trae Tinsman was efficient and converted multiple third downs with mid-range passes. Tinsman, making his first career start, threw for 138 yards and two scores.

The first half began Saturday's woes for the Red Raiders. The host Rams ran 48 plays in the opening half and controlled the ball for 23:43 – including 32 rushes that went for 151 yards. Furthering SU's demise was three turnovers, including a fumble on its first offensive play and an interception that derailed another first-quarter drive.

In total, Shepherd scored 17 of its 33 points off Red Raider turnovers. The two teams finished 2012 among the Top 15 Division II teams in turnover margin, but it was the Rams who tilted the field on Saturday with their takeaways.

On third down, SU was just 1-of-13 while Shepherd was 11-of-20, including 7-of-11 in the first half. The Rams also scored on all five of their trips into the red zone.

Despite the lopsided score, SU's defense was productive in its time on the field – particularly the secondary. Senior safety Mike Goode led all players with 11 tackles. Sophomore linebacker Cortlin Dell, making his first career start, had eight tackles and was credited with a pass breakup.

The shutout is SU's first since Oct. 25, 2008, a span of 49 games.

Shippensburg travels to Slippery Rock next weekend for a 6 p.m. Saturday showdown with The Rock at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.