DURANGO, Colo. – It was domination from start to finish as Western Colorado University rolled to a 40-20 win over Fort Lewis College on Saturday.
 
Western (1-7, 1-6 RMAC) totaled 372 yards on offense and forced six FLC (1-7, 1-7 RMAC) turnovers on defense.
 
The Mountaineers broke open the game late in the second quarter after linebacker Lane Farris forced a fumble, which was recovered by Western's Josh Nelson at the Skyhawk 6-yard line.
 
Quarterback Dylan Jacob then connected with Elijah Gillespie for the 6-yard touchdown pass to put the Mountaineers ahead of Fort Lewis, 20-6 with 2:46 left in the first half.
 
Gillespie was Jacob's favorite target on Saturday. The two connected seven times, with Gillespie recording 80 receiving yards and finding the end zone twice.
 
Jacob threw for a season-high 247 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. The sophomore play-caller also tied a career high with 27 completions.
 
Nelson was all over the field for the Mountaineer defense. Along with his fumble recovery, Nelson recorded two interceptions, including one he returned 43 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
 
Western opened the scoring on their first possession of the game. Following a mishandled snap on a punt attempt by the Skyhawks, Western took over on FLC's 27-yard line. Jacob connected with Zach Manchester from 15 yards out to take a 6-0 lead at the 11:26 mark of the first quarter.
 
Manchester had six catches for 57 yards on Saturday.
 
At halftime, the Mountaineers were ahead 27-6 following an eight-play 70-yard drive, capped-off by a 14-yard touchdown pass from Jacob to Jordan Barton with 30 seconds left in the first half.
 
Placekicker Chandler Davis added two field goals in the fourth quarter. Davis was good from 33 and 40 yards.
 
Lane Farris led the Mountaineers with nine tackles. Defensive end Jonah Mitchell recorded four tackles and 1.5 sacks.
 
Tim Mullin recorded Western's third interception of the game early in the fourth quarter.
 
After not playing in the previous few games due to injury, running back Isaac Fuqua made his return and led Western in rushing yards with 77 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
 
The Mountaineers will return home next Saturday for Parents' Weekend. Western hosts Black Hills State University at 1 p.m. in Mountaineer Bowl.