WC Missouri News

The University of Central Missouri Mules football team, ranked No. 22 nationally, lost its season opener to Delta State University on Thursday night in Cleveland, Mississippi. The final score was 31-23.

Central Missouri trailed at halftime, 25-12, but managed to outscore Delta State in the second half. Despite their efforts, the Mules could not complete a late comeback.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Donovyn Omolo made his first career start for UCM and completed 30 of 45 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown. Tank Young ran for 61 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown in his debut with the team. Receivers Jack Pospisil and Hogan Wasson led the team in receiving yards; Pospisil caught seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown while Wasson had eleven catches for 121 yards.

On defense, Jaylen Harris recorded six tackles and a sack. Trenton Bell and Connor McTague each recovered fumbles. Kicker Will Peacock converted both of his field goal attempts from distances of 35 and 29 yards. Ethan Brown punted six times for a total of 166 yards.

Delta State finished with more total offensive yardage than Central Missouri (422 to 345), including advantages in both rushing (140-94) and passing (282-251). However, the Mules had more first downs (22 compared to Delta State's 17) and held the ball longer during the game.

Delta State quarterback Cole Kirk completed fifteen passes on twenty-three attempts for two touchdowns and a total of 282 passing yards.

Central Missouri will play its home opener against No. 6-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo on Thursday, September 11 at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field in Warrensburg.