The number one ranked Bearcats improve to 32-2 at home since 2009 (photo/bearcatsports.com)

The number one ranked Bearcats improve to 32-2 at home since 2009 (photo/bearcatsports.com)

#1 Northwest Missouri 31, Nebraska-Kearney 7
#1 Northwest Missouri scored 24 unanswered points to earn a season opening victory over Nebraska-Kearney at home. NWMSU finished with 435 yards of total offense while holding UNK to 165 yards on the evening.

For the Bearcats Phil Jackson had 12 carries for 56 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Brady Bolles was 19 of 30 for 257 yards and a touchdown pass to Bryce Young who had 144 receiving yards. On defense DJ Gnader and Eric Reimer finished with six tackles and Alex Tayler picked off a pass.

For the Lopers Romero Cotton rushed for 74 yards on the night and Bronson Marsh added 48 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball Tyke Kozeal had 14 tackles and Dexter Becker finished with 10 while George Brown picked off a pass.

Missouri Western 10, Central Missouri 9
Missouri Western turned a late interception into a game-winning touchdown as they defeated Central Missouri at home to open the season. The Griffons were outgained by over 200 yards by the Mules, but took advantage of key turnovers and a missed field goal.

#22 Emporia State 53, Missouri Southern 28
#22 Emporia State racked up 517 yards of total offense as they picked up a victory over Missouri Southern in their home opener. ESU forced four turnovers and scored two defensive touchdowns as they erased an early 7-0 deficit.

For the Hornets Brent Wilson was 21 of 31 for 244 yards hitting Austin Willis for 126 yards and a score and Mitchell Foote for 39 yards and a touchdown. On the ground Kai Callins rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown while Antonio Brown and Jordan Tice each added scores on the ground. On defense Kadeem Satchell returned a Josh Monteagudo forced fumble for a touchdown and Lyndell Johnson forced and returned a fumble for a touchdown as well.

For the Lions Michael Nelson carried the ball 14 times for 88 yards and three touchdowns. Will Gregory added a touchdown on the ground and Jay McDowell had 118 yards passing. On the defensive side Dalvin Taylor had nine tackles and Darryl Smith intercepted a pass.

Lindenwood 44, Washburn 38
Both teams scored a special teams touchdown, but the Lions of LIndenwood outlasted Washburn in a shootout in Topeka. Lindenwood returned a kick for a touchdown while Washburn got the games opening score on a blocked punt.

For the Lions Marvin Byrd rushed for only 23 yards, but found the end zone twice while Tre’ Roby and Stephen Kaiser also got touchdowns on the ground. Dillon Miller was 24 of 42 through the air going for 230 yards and hitting Jordan Gater for the game-winning touchdown. On defense Connor Harris led the way with 10 total tackles and picked off two WU passes.

For the Ichabods Mitch Buhler was 26 of 29 passing for 293 yards and four scores. DaJuan Beard caught three touchdown passes while Vershon Moore rushed for 108 yards on the ground on the night. On defense Zach Franklin and Cody Heiman had nine tackles each and Calvin Kenney picked off a pass.