The Mules’ struggles on the road this season continued Saturday in a 33-26 loss to Central Oklahoma.
UCO left the Mules in the dust scoring three touchdowns and adding a safety to take a 23-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Bronchos used just seven plays combined over their three touchdown drives.
The Mules were able to respond in the second quarter once the running game got going. Sophomore Devante Turner scored two touchdowns and freshman Dashawn Bates added his third career touchdown to cut the Bronchos lead to 23-20 at halftime.
The Mules continued having success with the run in the second half after Turner broke off a 66-yard run for his third touchdown of the game, giving the Mules their first lead of the game at 26-23. Senior Alex Langer’s extra point attempt was blocked, marking the second failed PAT attempt of the game for the Mules.
Central Missouri’s offense fell flat in the fourth quarter and the Bronchos capitalized, scoring 10 points to retake the lead, 33-26. On the final possession of the game, the Mules drove 76 yards in 12 plays, but were unable to score a game-tying touchdown after quarterback Jeremy Hunt was sacked on back-to-back plays as time expired.
The Mules fall to 3-3 on the season with all three losses coming on the road. Next up for Central Missouri is a home matchup with Emporia State. The game will also serve as Military Appreciation Day with the Pink Up! Auction concluding at halftime.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field.