JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – No. 7-ranked University of Central Missouri Mules football totaled 745 yards of offense as it rolled past the Lincoln Blue Tigers, 63-27, in the 2023 regular season finale on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.

The Mules finish the regular season with an overall record of 10-1 and as MIAA Co-Champions with a conference mark of 9-1. UCM will find out who and where it will play for the first round of the 2023 NCAA-II Playoffs during the NCAA-II Football Playoffs Selection Show Sunday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. CT on NCAA.com. The first round is slated for Saturday, Nov. 18.

UCM quarterback Zach Zebrowski went 28-of-38 for 324 yards and threw for three touchdowns in the victory. The three passing TDs moved him past former UCM Quarterback and Harlon Hill winner Eric Czerniewski for most passing touchdowns in a single season with 49. Czerniewski threw for 46 during his 2010 Harlon Hill season.  

Running back Marcellous Hawkins rushed for 80 yards on nine carries and had two rushing touchdowns to surpass 1,000 rushing yards for the season. He now stands at 1,026 rushing yards in 2023 while Keyon Butler tallied a game-best 133 rushing yards on 10 carries. Weston Bridges added a pair of rushing TDs, and Christian Davis compiled a rushing touchdown.

Wide receiver Arkell Smith tallied 100 yards on five catches while Jack Pospisil, Demarcus Gregory, Cedric Case and Grant McAtee all recorded receiving touchdowns in the win.

Quarterback Mac Harper tossed one passing touchdown and recorded 51 passing yards, rounding out the UCM scoring.

Cooper Crane had five tackles, leading Central Missouri defensively.

For the game, UCM outgained Lincoln (0-11), 745-325, including a 375-209 advantage in passing and 370-116 lead in rushing.

Xzavier Vaughn recorded 209 passing yards and two touchdowns while Aderias Ealy had 134 receiving yards and two TDs, leading the Blue Tigers.