Five costly turnovers spoiled an otherwise impressive performance by the Griffon football team against Pittsburg State (7-2), Saturday. Missouri Western (5-4) out-gained the Gorillas by 126 yards, but fell 34-14 in the Rogers Pharmacy Hall of Fame Game.
- The Griffon defense limited what was the MIAA’s top rushing team coming into Saturday to 125 yards on 46 carries, a 2.7-yard per carry average.
- Missouri Western averaged nearly seven yards per carry, rushing 39 times for 265 on the MIAA’s third-ranked rush defense.
- A four-play, 69-yard drive that ended with a nine-yard Shamar Griffith touchdown on the Griffons’ first drive of the second half cut the Gorilla lead to 24-14. Pittsburg State answered with a 95-yard return touchdown on the ensuing kickoff.
- The kickoff return touchdown was the only TD for the Gorillas in the second half.
Next up, the Griffons play at 11 a.m. next Saturday, Nov. 3 at University of Nebraska-Kearney. Their last home game of the regular season is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 against Lindenwood University. Senior Griffons will be recognized.