Central Oklahoma’s intense offense caused the Hornets to fall against the Bronchos 56-22 on Saturday night in Edmond, Oklahoma.
To open the game, UCO traveled 75 yards in seven plays, putting them on the board 7-0. On the Hornets first drive, they went three and out and punted the ball back to the Bronchos. Redshirt junior defensive back Tyler Schultze went on to pick off Central Oklahoma to force an interception.
Again, the Bronchos forced a three and out on the Hornets and scored ten points over two drives to widen their lead 10-0. Sophomore running back Camden Crooks scored a touchdown for the Hornets off of a pass to senior wide receiver Kingsley Bennet, putting the Hornets on the board 17-6 with 1:35 left in the first quarter. The Hornets were able to score two more points after blocking a UCO punt to make the score 17-8.
The Bronchos went on to out score ESU 14-0 in the second quarter and build their lead up 31-8 into the break.
After the halftime break, the score would change 34-8 as UCO added a field goal. Redshirt sophomore running back Diego Cearns capped a six-play, 65-yard drive scored from eight yards out to bring the score within 34-15. In the last eight minutes of the quarter, Central Oklahoma successfully added to their lead 49-15.
In the last quarter, the Hornets would fail to get any closer than 56-22 to UCO. Senior running back Keveon Robbins made the final score for the Hornets with 3:14 left in the game.
The loss against UCO brings ESU to 3-4 on the season overall and 2-3 in conference play. The Hornets will travel to Warrensburg, Missouri for a second on the road match against Central Missouri on Saturday. The Mules match the Hornets’ overall record at 3-4, but are 3-2 in conference play so far this year. Kick off against the Mules is set for 1:30 p.m.
