Football Travels to Ada Looking to Build Off Week Two – Southwestern Oklahoma State University Athletics

Football
9/19/2024 2:37:00 PM

Jon Chidester, Assistant AD/Media Relations

ADA, Okla. – SWOSU Football travels to face East Central this Saturday, September 21 in search of the first win of the season.

In week two, SWOSU led Arkansas-Monticello 14-10 at halftime and by as many as 18 points in the third quarter before UAM scored 29 unanswered including 22 in the fourth quarter to pull off the comeback. For a second straight game the defense forced three turnovers, but for a second straight game the Dawgs were outgained on offense – this time by nearly double.

Three more turnovers on defense gives SWOSU a league-leading six so far on the year with three fumble recoveries against Ouachita and now three interceptions against Monticello. It’s been a combined group effort, with six different players responsible for each of those takeaways. The Dawgs have also accumulated six sacks on the year, which puts them tied for second in the GAC. Six different defenders have been in on a sack, led by Logan Monroe’s two.  

Offensively, SWOSU has averaged 33:15 of possession time. Only Harding in the flexbone has had the ball longer. With the ball in hand, the Dawgs will look to improve on scoring efficiency (15.5 ppg/10th) and tacking on yardage (249.5 ypg/9th). Against the Weevils, a solid first three quarters had SWOSU well on their way of increasing both of those until a scoreless fourth with three-straight three-and-outs hindered things.      

Quarterback Kai Kunz is SWOSU’s leading rusher, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and two touchdowns. He’s 21-for-36 through the air with a touchdown pass to Baylor Nash and one interception. He, or any other Bulldog, did not turn the ball over against UAM.

On special teams, Dylan Mauro’s 42.5 yards per punt is a yard and some change off the league leader, but his five balls inside the 20 sits atop the GAC. SWOSU did have a punt blocked in the fourth quarter against Monticello.   

East Central too will be looking for their first victory in 2024 on Saturday. The Tigers fell to Henderson State (41-17) and Southern Arkansas (28-20) to begin the season. SWOSU last won in Ada in 2016 and holds a 1-3 record there since competing under the Great American Conference umbrella. The all-time series is in favor of ECU who leads 51-47-2. Last season, ECU beat the Dawgs 24-13 in a game SWOSU led entering the fourth quarter.

The Tigers rank ninth in the GAC in scoring offense at 18.5 points per game. They’re averaging nearly 260 yards of offense (8th) while surrendering nearly 380 (7th). Quarterback Sergio Kennedy has thrown six interceptions, the most of any player in the league, heading into week three. ECU instead has leaned on running the ball, averaging 133.5 yards per game on 91 rushes.