Mules Topple UCO

10/19/2013 5:26:00 PM

Marquez Clark (11) and C.J. Carson (86)

Game Statistics

EDMOND (Oct. 19) – Central Oklahoma couldn't contain another offensive juggernaut Saturday afternoon at Wantland Stadium as Central Missouri rolled up 602 yards in a 48-16 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association victory over the Bronchos.

The Mules overwhelmed UCO with a balanced attack, passing for 327 yards and rushing for 275 in dropping the Bronchos to 0-7 on the season and in league play. UCM quarterback Hayden Hawk hit 23-of-26 passes with three touchdowns to lead the way.

The Bronchos managed 381 total yards, with redshirt freshman quarterback T.J. Eckert hitting 21-of-30 passes for 200 yards in his second straight start. Star wide receiver Marquez Clark caught 12 passes for 123 yards and a TD, while Jake Gandara ran for 87 yards and a score in 17 carries.

Defensive back Thomas Hill made a career-high 14 tackles to lead UCO's defensive efforts.

Central Missouri went 67 yards on its first possession of the game to take a quick 7-0 lead, but UCO responded with a 63-yard drive of its own that ended in Seth Hiddink's 29-yard field goal. Eckert keyed that drive with passes of 13 yards to Christian Hood and 15 to C.J. Carson.

The Mules answered with a four-play, 66-yard TD mark to go up 14-3 by the end of the first quarter and then made it 21-3 late in the second period.

The Bronchos got back in the game with a six-play, 85-yard scoring march that was kick-started by Gandara's 34-yard rumble down the sideline. Eckert ended it with an 11-yard scoring strike to Clark, who got a key block from Carson en route to the end zone.

UCO missed the extra point and trailed 21-9 with just 1:32 left in the half, but that left the Mules plenty of time. UCM needed just five plays to increase its lead, hitting a 35-yard TD pass with 15 seconds remaining to go up 27-9 at intermission.

A 72-yard bomb on the third play of the third quarter quickly put the Mules on top 34-9, though the Bronchos answered with their final score of the game.

UCO went 83 yards in 13 plays, getting a big 22-yard Eckert-to-Clark pass on a third-down play to keep the drive alive before Gandara finally ended it with a two-yard TD plunge that made it 34-16.

But the Bronchos wouldn't threaten again and Central Missouri tacked on two more TDs to complete the rout.

Central Oklahoma is idle next week before returning Nov. 2 to host Lincoln for Homecoming in the final home game of the season.

Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories