UCO Opens Home Slate Thursday

9/5/2016 11:23:00 AM | By: Chris Brannick

Central Oklahoma running back Jake Gandara breaks a tackle against Pittsburg State in 2014. Despite the loss, Gandara had 11 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Photo by Dan Smith, UCO Photo Services

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EDMOND - The University of Central Oklahoma football team opens the home portion of its 2016 season at 7 p.m. Thursday, when it takes on Pittsburg State University at Wantland Stadium.

The Bronchos (0-1, 0-1) are looking to rebound after a disappointing season-opening loss at Lindenwood on Thursday, Sept. 1. After leading at halftime 20-13, the Bronchos went on to lose 49-26.

For the Bronchos, the running game fared well in the opener. Preseason All-American Clay McKenzie led the charge with 91 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns.

Jake Gandara, the junior from Fort Gibson who returned from a season-ending knee injury, ran the ball 11 times for 43 yards and a touchdown. His 17-yard run in the first quarter was the longest rushing play on the night for the Bronchos.

T.J. Eckert played the entire game at quarterback for the Bronchos. He also had a 17-yard run on the night. In the passing game, there was mixed results.

The senior from Bixby threw for 424 yards and completed 36 passes including 10 to new target Rodriguez Coleman. But Eckert also threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

Eckert's longest completion was 45 yards to Conner Pulley, who led the Bronchos with 163 yards receiving on the day.

Coleman's 10 catches led UCO, he finished with 81 yards.

Defensively the Bronchos were led in tackles by Riley Galyon, who made eight on the night. Austin Staggs and Hank Humphers each had six. Malik Walker's first-quarter interception was the only turnover the Bronchos forced on the night.

Seth Hiddink went 2 for 2 in field goals in Week 1. Hiddink's school record of 52 consecutive extra points made was snapped in the fourth quarter when his PAT was blocked.

Pittsburg State is also looking to rebound from a season-opening loss. The Gorillas (0-1, 0-1) fell to Central Missouri 34-27 at home last week.

Like the Bronchos, Pittsburg State also held a one-score halftime lead before a third quarter explosion from Central Missouri changed the game. Pittsburg State did battle back to tie it at 27 in the fourth quarter before Central Missouri's Garrett Fugate threw a 79-yard touchdown with four minutes to play to win the game.

Pittsburg State used two quarterbacks in Week 1. Thomas LePage was 14 of 31 for 191 yards and two interceptions. John Roderique went 7 of 10 for 113 yards with one touchdown pass.

Michael Rose led the Gorillas in the rushing attack with 27 carries for 104 yards and one score. LePage also scored on the ground after running the ball 16 times for 32 yards. Levi Copelin was the hot target at receiver for Pittsburg State, catching nine passes for 191 yards and a touchdown.

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