ST. JOSEPH – For the second straight week the Griffon football offense struggled to find a rhythm and the team suffered its second-straight loss, 38-10 to No. 8-ranked Fort Hays State (8-0).

Missouri Western (4-4) trailed just 14-10 with 52 seconds remaining in the second quarter, but a six-play, 72-yard Fort Hays State drive at the end of the second quarter started a string of 24 unanswered Fort Hays State points.

The Griffons were held to 188 total yards of offense while allowing 450. Most of Fort Hays State’s offense came on big plays. The Tigers had a pass play of 67 yards and rushes of 43, 34 and 31 yards. The Griffon defense forced seven Fort Hays State punts, but two lost fumbles and an interception gave the Tigers extra opportunities. The defense also picked up 13 tackles for loss and four sacks on the day.

QUARTERBACK CAROUSEL
Skyler Windmiller returned at quarterback for the Griffons, who have now started three different quarterbacks in the last three games. Dom Marino still had not been cleared to play for Saturday’s game and Corey Bertini was still in concussion protocol. Windmiller hadn’t played since suffering an injury in the fourth quarter of the season opener at Nebraska Kearney. The senior completed 13-of-29 passes for 132 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked four times.

RUNNING GAME HELD IN CHECK
After leading the MIAA in rushing through the first six weeks of the season, the Griffons have been held under 100 yards in the last two games. Fort Hays State held the Griffons to just 56 net rushing yards. Joshua Caldwell carried the ball 13 times for 72 yards himself. Shamar Griffith added 16 rushing yards and Derek Gray Jr. had 13. The team total was negated by four sacks.

UP NEXT
Homecoming at Missouri Western is next Saturday, Oct. 27 when the Griffons host Washburn (5-3) for a 2 p.m. kickoff.

— MWSU Athletics —