PITTSBURG, Kan. – Griffon football (4-3) had its three-game win streak snapped in a 26-10 loss at Pittsburg State (3-4), Saturday afternoon.

With quarterback Dom Marino not available due to an illness and Joshua Caldwell limited by an injury suffered early in the game, Missouri Western’s top-ranked scoring offense was held in check by the Gorillas. The Griffons were held to 189 total yards of offense and were nearly held without a touchdown for the first time since the season opener at Nebraska Kearney.

STRENGTHS LIMITED
After five straight-games of scoring at least 40 points, the Griffon offense was held to just one late touchdown and a second quarter field goal. The Griffons also entered with the MIAA’s top rushing offense, a unit that was limited to just 89 net yards on 37 attempts. Caldwell – the MIAA’s top rusher – ended the game with 54 rushing yards on just nine carries. The junior’s playing time was limited after a shoulder injury early in the first quarter. After five-straight games with multiple takeaways, Missouri Western led the nation with 21 forced turnovers. Saturday, the only turnover in the game came on a third quarter interception by Brandin Dandridge.

DEFENSE KEEPS IT CLOSE
After allowing Pittsburg State to score touchdowns on its first two drives of the game, the Griffon defense clamped down and kept the Griffons in the game. The Gorillas ended the game with 263 total yards of offense, but 139 of those yards came on their first two drives. Missouri Western’s defense held Pitt State to just 57 yards, combined, on its next 10 drives. Jonathan Owens finished with a career-high 16 tackles in the game. Cody Lindsay, the reigning MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week finished with 10 total tackles, three for loss, and a sack.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western gets two-straight home games, beginning with the Hall of Fame Game presented by Rogers Pharmacy, next Saturday, Oct. 21 against Fort Hays State (7-0).

— MWSU Athletics —