No. 7th ranked Missouri Western welcomed Central Oklahoma to Spratt Stadium Saturday night, and continued its undefeated season, defeating the Bronchos 45-23. The Griffons scored twice in the final two minutes of action to improve their record to 5-0 overall and 5-0 in MIAA action. The 5-0 start is the best start under Partridge, they also did it in 2009.
The Bronchos, who recently upset No. 9 Washburn last week, brought plans to stage another upset on a top-10 team, but MWSU’s defense had other plans.
The Griffons started out playing good defense against the Bronchos. After the Bronchos took the ball deep into Griffon territory, the drive stalled out when Broncho quarterback Adrian Nelson through an interception at the 14-yard line.
Ben Jackson picked off his first pass of the season, taking it 30 yards the other direction to halt Central Oklahoma. Michael Hill fumbled on the ensuing play, however, giving the ball back to the Bronchos.
Missouri Western’s defense continued playing strong forcing UCO to give the ball up on downs on the ensuing drive. Defensive end David Bass stepped up to stop the play, tackling Joshua Birmingham for just a 1-yard gain, forcing the Bronchos to turn the ball over for the second time in the first quarter.
MWSU ended the first quarter with a 7-0 lead, didn’t give up a score in the first stanza for the fifth time in as many games. To start the second quarter, the Griffons drove the football down field, and Travis Partridge connected on a short pass to Hill moving the football into Broncho territory.
Five plays later, MWSU took advantage of the opportunity. The Griffons ran a reverse to wide-out Tyron Crockom, as he shook past two Central Oklahoma defenders on his way to a 22-yard touchdown run.
The Bronchos again started to move the ball down field, but once again failed to convert. They were forced to punt after moving the football to the MWSU 34-yard line.
A couple penalties along with David Bass’ fifth sack of the year, Central Oklahoma moved out of field goal range, giving the Griffons the ball back.
On the next drive, MWSU moved the ball effectively down field, and Reggie Jordan caught a 3-yard touchdown pass, his 4th touchdown reception of the season, putting the Griffons ahead, 14-0.
Less than three minutes later, Partridge scored on a 17-yard run making the score 21-0 with 8:18 to play in the half. The score would stay still through halftime as the Griffons gave up just 105 yards of offense during the first two quarters.
Hill rushed for 71 yards on 13 carries in the half while Partridge completed 12-of-18 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown. Ben Pitser had five tackles with one sack in the first frame.
The Bronchos were led by Birmingham with 62 yards on 10 carries while Devoris Dozier had six tackles.
After the break, Missouri Western added to its lead. After a holding penalty pushed the ball back to the Griffons 45-yard line, Partridge faked a run to Hill, and went through the middle of the Bronchos defense on his way to a 45-yard rushing touchdown, his second of the game.
Central Oklahoma answered with its own touchdown – a 6-yard run by Birmingham making the game 28-7 with 8:17 to play in the third quarter.
In the fourth, MWSU added on to its lead with a 45-yard field goal by Taylor Anderson. UCO added a late score, a 4-yard run by Birmingham and Nelson completed a two-point conversion to Leroy Travis, Jr., to put the game 31-15 late in the game.
After the Bronchos received the ball again, they drove 9 plays, 69 yards to score a touchdown and added a two-point conversion to draw within one score, 31-23.
Central Oklahoma could not recover the onside kick, giving Missouri Western the ball. The Griffons were able to add to their lead with a 30-yard touchdown run by Hill and a 58-yard interception by Michael Jordan giving the Griffons the 45-23 victory.
The Griffons had 467 yards of total offense with 243 coming on the ground. Hill finished the night with 143 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown while Partridge ran for 50 yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Knox had his best game as a Griffon catching seven passes for 108 yards.
UCO had 244 passing yards with Nelson connecting on 25-of-45 with one touchdown. Marquis Walters had six receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown while Birmingham had six catches for 53 yards. Dozier had 10 tackles for UCO. Central Oklahoma is 1-4 overall and 1-4 in MIAA play.
The Griffons continue to take on the MIAA newcomers next weekend when they travel to Talequah, Okla. to take on the Northeastern State RiverHawks. Kickoff is set for 2:00 pm from Doc Wadley Stadium.
— MWSU Sports Information —