The Central Missouri Mules outscored the Central Oklahoma Bronchos 41-7 on Sunday to claim a 47-17 win in the completion of a suspended game from Saturday afternoon. UCM was trailing 10-6 when the game was suspended on Saturday evening.

When the game resumed Sunday afternoon the Bronchos converted their third and one and were driving deep in UCM territory. On second and four from the Mule nine yard line UCO QB Ethan Sharp scrambled for a first down, but was hit by Ricky Spratley and fumbled the ball. UCM recovered to halt the drive.

Smith hit Kirkwood for 69 yards on the first play following the turnover and the Mules were in business. The Mules took it inside the UCO 20, but a sack on third down forced a long field goal attempt that sailed wide left to keep the score 10-6.

After a three and out by the Bronchos the Mules took over near midfield. Facing a second and 10 from the Broncho 24 Smiths scrambled for 17 yards down to the seven. On third and goal from the six Smith found David Cannon in the back of the end zone for a touchdown to put the Mules in front 13-10.

The Mule defense forced another three and out on the next possession and gave the offense great field position at their own 44. The Mules drove down near the 20, but an errant snap sailed over Smith’s head all the way back to midfield. On second and 27 Smith hit Clayton Cooper for 30 yards back to the UCO 20 for a first down. The drive stalled and Aaron Jamieson’s third field goal of the day, this one from 45 yards, gave UCM a 16-10 lead.

After another defensive stand the Mules got the ball at their own 31 with 37 seconds left in the half. A pass interference penalty gave the Mules a first down at the UCO 46. After an incompletion, Smith hit a wide open Ronrei Lloyd for a 46-yard touchdown to put the Mules in front 23-10.

It appeared the half would end that way, but after a squib kickoff left UCO with four seconds Sharp tossed a screen to Joshua Birmingham who broke a couple of tackles and outraced everyone to the endzone for a 73 yard touchdown.

Neither team was able to muster much offense on their first drive of the second half. After the Mules forced a three and out on UCO’s first possession deep in Broncho territory the offense took over at the UCO 33. Three straight incompletions gave the Mules a fourth and 10 at the 33. On fourth down, Smith evaded the blitz and rumbled for 25 yards down to the eight for a first and goal. The drive stalled and Jamieson drilled a 26-yard field goal, his fourth of the game, for a 26-17 lead.

UCM’s next scoring drive started at their own 35 after an interception by Paul Hughes. On first and 10 Smith scrambled for 30 yards to the UCO 35 and two plays later LaVance Taylor got to the right corner and outraced everyone to the endzone for a 34 yard touchdown and a 33-17 UCM lead.

The Bronchos drove deep into Mule territory on the next possession, but a botched shotgun snap forced the Bronchos into a fourth and 22 from the Mule 32. Sharp’s fourth down pass was completed, but well short of the first down marker and UCM took over on downs.

A Taylor 19-yard run gave the Mules some breathing room, then Smith hit Lloyd for 11 yards and Ralph Watson for 22 more to the Central Oklahoma 30 yard line. Facing a third and two from the UCO 22 Smith hit Lloyd again for a 22-yard score and a 40-17 lead.

The Mules capped off the scoring on their next drive. An 11 play, 60-yard drive consisting of eight Corey Washington runs, including a one-yard scoring plunge, gave UCM a 47-17 lead with just over two minutes left in the game. After forcing another three and out the Mules were able to run out the clock for the win.

The Mules racked up 552 yards of total offense out-gaining the Bronchos 552-364. UCM had 214 yards rushing and 338 through the air.

Smith finished the day 21-of-35 for 329 yards and three touchdowns completing passes to 11 different receivers. He added 74 yards rushing on 12 carries. Lloyd had four catches for 80 yards and two scores, while Kirkwood had three catches for 106 yards. Taylor rushed 13 times for 96 yards.

Story courtesy of UCM Athletics