The Truman State University Football team will be trying for their first 3-0 start since 1994 when they play for the first time Northwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday night in Kirksville.
The Bulldogs are coming off a 42-12 victory over Lincoln (Mo.) University at home while the Rangers were defeated by #6 Colorado State-Pueblo 41-24.
This will be the first meeting between these two schools as Northwestern Oklahoma is making the transition to the NCAA and Division II after spending the previous years in the NAIA.
The Rangers are joining the Great American Conference that composes Division II schools from Oklahoma and Arkansas.
It is the first of three games this season for the Bulldogs against “first-time” opponents. Truman will play Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 6) and Lindenwood (Nov. 10).
Last season, Truman played McKendree (Ill.) University for the first time.
The Bulldog offense scored touchdowns on five of their first six possessions on Saturday night in downing the Lincoln Blue Tigers 42-12.
Will Mosquera scored three times and Conrad Schottel tossed for 215 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldog win.
The Rangers have played two games against America Football Coaches Association top 25 teams to start the season.
Northwestern Oklahoma was defeated in the opener by #19 Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 55-3 before Saturday night’s loss to #6 Colorado State-Pueblo.
Ranger QB Kyle Jech set a school records with 44 pass completions and 70 pass attempts in the game.
After falling behind 20-0 in the second quarter, the Rangers stormed back to take 21-20 lead midway through the third.
The Thunderwolves responded and overtook the Rangers to grab the win. Jech threw for 315 yards with receiver Andrew King setting another school record with 14 receptions.
Head Coach Gregg Nesbitt is in his third season on the Truman sideline after two straight 4-7 campaigns.
The Bulldogs return 47 juniors and seniors, 59 total letterwinners and 18 starters from 2011.
Of the starters returning, five are on offense, 10 on defense and both punter and place kicker are back.
• The Bulldogs have played 948 games all-time. The Bulldogs are 536-378-34 (.583) all time.
• Truman is 4-2 in overtime games. All six games have been played at Stokes Stadium with the last being on Oct. 24, 2009 against Emporia State (Truman lost 30-24).
• The Bulldogs have finished .500 or above in 70 of the 104 seasons of football played at the University and have had five wins or more in 62 seasons.
• Truman is the winningest NCAA program all-time in the state of Missouri with the .583 win percentage. The University of Missouri has the most wins with 625 with the Bulldogs second with 536.
• Truman’s 536 wins is eighth all-time in Division II.
Courtesty Truman State University
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