People are going to say it is poor sportsmanship. It is classless. Disrespectful. Unprofessional.

Yes, the John Carroll University football team scored 90 points against the Capital University Crusaders on Saturday. 

However, it was not running up the score. It actually happened by accident. Follow along with me here.

Coming into the game on Oct. 12, Capital had allowed a combined total of 202 points in four games this season. We knew the Blue Streaks were good, but I am not sure we knew they were this good. 

Before the game, there were whispers that the Blue and Gold felt they could score 45 points, and rightfully so.

At halftime, the Blue Streaks posted a 28-0 lead at the half, perfectly on pace to hit that 45-point mark. Then, Capital came out into the second half unmotivated, uninspired and uninterested.

JCU scored their 45 points with 9:21 left in the third quarter on a rushing touchdown by sophomore Devin Limerick. After that, head coach Rick Finotti put the backups in, and then the third-string players, and even the fourth team guys. Only three players of the 71 in uniforms did not play in the game.

Let me get this straight. I have nothing against Capital, but someone has to say it: 

I played football for eight years. I have covered over 40 football games. I have watched hundreds of football games. The Crusaders’ second-half effort was the worst I have ever seen a football team play.

Four JCU players scored their first career touchdown in the second half after accidentally finding the end zone.

To those that say, “take your foot off the gas,” that is not realistic. Put yourself in the position of a fourth-string player playing for the first time. He is going to give his best effort. It is not his fault the opposition was thinking about his Saturday night plans. 

Yes, 90 points looks bad. But believe me when I tell you it just happened that way. There was no running up the score or making a statement. It is just how it happened.