FBvKearney NCAA playoffs 211120
31
Winner Neb.-Kearney NKU 10-2 , 9-2
24
Western Colo. WCU 10-2 , 8-1
Winner
Neb.-Kearney NKU
10-2 , 9-2
31
Final
24
Western Colo. WCU
10-2 , 8-1
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
NKU Neb.-Kearney 3 7 14 7 31
WCU Western Colo. 3 0 7 14 24

Game Recap: Football | | Brandon Warr

Lopers Narrowly Defeat Mountaineers

GUNNISON, Colo.  11th-ranked Western Colorado had an opportunity to tie the game down 31-24, with 6 seconds left in the game. However, an illegal snap penalty, as quarterback Connor Desch was trying to spike the ball, resulted in a 10 second run off and the game clock expiring with visiting No. 21 University Nebraska-Kearney stealing the win and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Nebraska Kearney def. Western Colorado 31-24.
Records: Western Colorado 10-2, Nebraska Kearney 10-2
Location: Mountaineer Bowl; Gunnison, Colo.

HOW IT HAPPENED
  • It was an even game early on as both teams were unable to punch it in on their opening drives, leading to both kickers drilling field goals and the game being tied at 3-3.
  • In the beginning of the second quarter the Lopers finally broke through on a six-play drive, scoring on a seven-yard touchdown run.
  • Down 10-3 at halftime, the Mountaineers tied the game on their very first drive on a Connor Desch 41-yard touchdown pass to James Bryant.
  • The game didn't stay tied for long, due to the fact the Lopers score on their first possession coming out of halftime on an 18-yard touchdown run.
  • The Lopers lead increased to 14 points after the Lopers put together a 12-play drive and capped it off with a two-yard touchdown run.
  • The Mountaineers fought back in the fourth quarter scoring 14 points, on a Desch 20-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Meyer and Josh Cummings three-yard touchdown run.
  • Unfortunately, the Lopers put together a nine-play drive and scored a two-yard rushing touchdown to seal the victory.
MORE TO IT
  • Nebraska-Kearney's quarterback TJ Davis played a huge factor in the game, rushing for 114 yards and touchdowns, while going 14-of-18 for 183 passing yards.
  • Cummings had another 100 plus yard rushing game, picking up 119- yards on the ground on 23 attempts.
  • James Bryant was the leading receiver for the Mountaineers with five catches for 87 yards and a touchdown.
  • Desch, 22-of-38 for 235 yards two touchdowns, completed the ball to eight different receivers. Cole Riters was his favorite target completing seven passes for 57 yards.
  • Defensively, Tim Mullin led the way with 10 tackles, two being tackles for loss. Will Lydle also made his presence felt with 2.5 tackles for loss.
  • Ethan Sanchez-Maxwell was the next highest tackle leader with seven and had a huge drive stop on fourth down.
    
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