Box Score
Oct. 2, 2010
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The #16 University of Central Missouri was able break open a close ball game against the Truman Bulldogs in the second half and went on to win 38-14 in front of a capacity crowd at Stokes Stadium.
Truman had arguably one of their best drives of the season to start the game. They took the opening kickoff and marched down the field in 11 plays and 65 yards converting on two big third downs as Anton Bernard (Chandler, Ariz.) scored from five yards out and a 7-0 Bulldog lead.
Central's explosive offense was forced off the field after three straight plays in their opening possession and would have been on their second but a questionable roughing the kicker call against the 'Dogs gave the Mules new life.
Central took advantage of the call and moved down the field in the next four plays with Anthony Stewart going into the endzone untouched from 25 yards out to tie the score.
The teams exchanged turnovers in the second quarter as Michael Elliott (Cypress, Texas) picked off Czerniewski and returned the ball 41 yards to the Mules' 25. However, on the next play quarterback Phillip Davis (Florissant, Mo.) had the ball forced out and Central's Rico Wilson recovered.
The Mules took the lead with 2:46 left in the half as Eric Czerniewski hooked up with tight end DeMarco Cosby on a 22-yard pass reception. It was senior quarterback's 21st touchdown pass of the season.
Special teams played another big role as Paul Stevens returned the second half kick 78 yards to the Truman 10 yard line to set up the next Mule score. Stewart marched in from five yards out to give the Mules a 21-7 lead.
Cosby and Czerniewski would hook up again on the Mules next possession on a five yard route to go up 28-7.
Aaron Jamieson converted on a 21-yard field goal with 6:54 left before the Bulldogs were able to get back on the scoreboard.
Dallas Grier (Frisco, Texas) caught his first career touchdown pass on fourth down and goal from the four with 2:50 left to play.
The Mules got their final score on a failed onside kick that popped in the air right to Cosby, who returned the ball 40 yards to the endzone.
The Bulldogs kept Czerniewski well below his season totals in passing yards and total offense. Central's signal caller was 27-of-40 for 267 yards (413.2 pg), however Stewart did the majority of the damage. He ran for 135 yards and caught seven passes for 75 to lead the Mules to their first 4-0 MIAA start since 2002.
Davis ran for a career high 143 yards for the Bulldogs including a best 50 yard run in the third quarter. He finished with 150 yards passing on 15-of-25 with Grier leading the corps with three catches for 36 yards.
The Bulldogs (2-3; 0-3 MIAA) will head to #8 Missouri Western next Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. The Griffons lost big in their showdown with #7 Northwest Missouri 42-0 on Saturday.
