Truman State opened conference play with authority, powering past Missouri S&T 49–20 on Saturday night in Rolla. The Bulldogs scored in all four quarters, piling up 438 yards of offense while also producing two defensive touchdowns.
The Miners struck first with a field goal, but Truman answered late in the first quarter when quarterback Dylan Hair found Nathan Ryan for a 43-yard score to take a 7–3 lead. After S&T briefly went back on top early in the second quarter, the Bulldogs erupted for 21 unanswered points before halftime. Hair connected with Ryan again on a six-yard strike, then added an eight-yard touchdown pass to Adam Hall. Moments later, Elijah Stevens jumped a route and sprinted 65 yards for a pick-six, sending Truman into the break ahead 28–10.
Truman carried the momentum out of the locker room. Hair ripped off a 54-yard run to set up a short Denim Cook touchdown, and on the next series, linebacker Jaxin Patterson returned an interception 34 yards for the Bulldogs' second defensive score of the night. Missouri S&T answered with a touchdown pass, but the Bulldogs still led 42–17 after three quarters.
In the fourth, Hair found Ryan for their third touchdown connection, this time from 15 yards out, to stretch the lead to 49–17. The Miners tacked on a late field goal, but the outcome had long been decided as Truman secured its first conference victory of the season.
Key Stats
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QB Dylan Hair: 14-of-19 passing, 215 yards, 4 TDs; 73 rushing yards, highlighted by a 54-yard run
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WR Nathan Ryan: 3 receptions, 145 yards, 3 TDs
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WR Adam Hall: 4 receptions, 29 yards, 1 TD
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RB Denim Cook: 77 rushing yards, 1 TD
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Defense: 2 interception returns for touchdowns (Elijah Stevens 65 yards, Jaxin Patterson 34 yards)
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Truman forced 3 turnovers and scored twice off interceptions
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Bulldogs averaged 6.0 yards per rush and went 4-for-4 in the red zone
Up Next
The Bulldogs return home next week for another GLVC test, hosting rival UIndy at Stokes Stadium as part of Truman State's family week. The Bulldogs lost in a barnburner on the road last year to the Greyhounds 41-34. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m.
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