Mules Comeback Falls Short in Edmond

EDMOND, Okla. (Oct. 6, 2018) - After trailing 23-0, Mules Football actually came back to take the lead at one point, but ultimately, it wasn't enough against Central Oklahoma as they fell 33-26. The loss move UCM to 3-3 this season overall and in the MIAA.

How it Happened
• It seemed like multiple games inside of one. The Bronchos scored the first 23 points of the game, all in the first quarter, before giving it all back. The Mules answered with 26 straight of their own in the second and third quarters to take their first and only lead of the game. The Bronchos answered with a 10-point fourth quarter that proved to be the difference.
• Both teams racked up more than 400 yard of offense. UCO did more damage on the ground with 215 rushing yards, while the Mules had 291 yards through the air.
• Fumbles played a big role in the game, UCM lost only one, but another was recovered in the endzone for a UCO safety. 
• The Bronchos possessed the ball for nearly 33 minutes, 32:56, while both teams committed five penalties.
• UCM connected for a 38 yard pass from Jeremy Hunt to Kyrion Parker on the first play from scrimmage, but a missed field goal from 49 yards out stalled the drive. 
• Just three plays later, UCO was in the endzone and up 7-0 following a 48-yard touchdown rush.
• Less than five minutes had gone by when UCO went up 14-0. After a Mules three-and-out, UCO needed just two plays and scored on a 59-yard catch and run.
• Nearing the end of the first quarter, the Mules were set to get the ball back when a muffed punt gave the Bronchos the ball on UCM's 12 yard line. The Bronchos punched it in two plays later with just 52 seconds left. 
• A holding penalty on the ensuing kickoff put the Mules back on their own 13-yard line and a fumbled snap netted the Bronchos a safety after UCM recovered it in the endzone. 
• The Mules started to fight back in the second quarter though after a UCO missed field goal. The Mules marched 80 yards down the field in seven plays and 1:36 to get on the board following a Devante Turner one-yard rush. Turner brought the Mules down to the goal line the play before with a 28-yard scamper. The Mules kept the drive alive on a third-and-10 when Hunt found Zion Perry for 19 yards.
• UCM found the endzone again on their next time. This time it was Dashawn Bates from three yards out. A 54-yard pass from Hunt to Shae Wyatt on second-and-20 was the biggest play of the drive, and Hunt also kept the drive alive with a fourth-and-three completion to Seth Hebert for 14 yards.
• After a UCO three-and-out, the Mules got the ball back with 2:53 left before the half. The used 2:16 of that clock and made it a one-possession game with their third straight touchdown. Turner rushed for his second score and it was 23-20 Bronchos at the half. 
• It was the Bronchos ball to start the second half and they marched all the way down to the Mules one-yard line. They ran two plays from the one on third and fourth down and were stuffed both times, a big momentum swing for the Mules.
• UCM carried that momentum into a seven-play, 96-yard touchdown drive, their longest yardage drive of the season. Turner scored his third touchdown of the game, breaking loose for a 66 yard score and the Mules led for the first time 26-23. 
• That lead lasted only until the early going in the fourth quarter when the Bronchos took the lead back, 30-26 after a two-yard touchdown pass.
• UCO made it a seven-point game on their next drive with an 18-yard field goal after once again being stuffed at the goal line.
• On the Mules final possession, they converted two third downs and one fourth down to get all the way down to the Bronchos 11. The drive stalled on back-to-back sacks and one kneel-down sealed the win for UCO. 

It Was Over When...
• The Mules had a shot to tie or take the lead on their final possession. A 14-play drive brought UCM down to the 11-yard line, but back-to-back UCO sacks on third and fourth down clinched the win for the Bronchos.

Mules Stat Leaders
• Jeremy Hunt finished the day 18-40 for 291 without a touchdown or interception. 
• Devante Turner had a nice day with 116 yards on 13 carries with three touchdowns.
• Shae Wyatt was Hunt's primary target with seven receptions for 140 yards.
• Tanner Kanak led the Mules defense with 10 tackles and two for a loss.
• Jacob Wiggins had five tackles and a sack.

For the Bronchos
• Will Collins was 18-for-24 for 268 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 10 times for 53 times and scored a third TD.
• Clay McKenzie picked up 154 yards on 27 carries with a touchdown.
• Mekail Hall caught eight passes for 116 yards.
• Colton Lindsey had nine tackles and two for a loss.
• Eli Hooks had two sacks and four tackles.

News and Notes
• The Mules have lost to the Bronchos for the second straight season.
• Shae Wyatt now has more than 100 receiving yards in four straight games.
• Kyrion Parker's streak of five straight games with a touchdown comes to an end.
• UCM is 0-3 on the road this season.
• The last time the Mules didn't have a passing touchdown came in Sept. of 2017 against Fort Hays State.
• Devante Turner's three rushing touchdowns match a career-best and give him 22 for his career, moving him into ninth place all-time at UCM.

Up Next
• The Mules will be back home next weekend to take on Emporia State for Military Appreciation Day, Saturday, Oct. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.