PITTSBURG — The University of Nebraska-Kearney football team scored 21 unanswered second half points to rally for a 28-17 road victory over No. 23 Pittsburg State University Saturday (Sept. 11), spoiling the Gorillas home opener at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium.

T.J. Davis tossed three touchdown passes and rushed for a fourth score to help the Lopers (2-0, 2-0 MIAA) remain unbeaten on the young season. He completed 11 of 17 passes for 198 yards through the air and added a game high 25 carries for 105 yards on the ground.

Pitt State (1-1, 1-1 MIAA) fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter, but the Gorillas charged back with 17 second quarter points to take a 17-7 lead at the intermission. Jaden Snyder booted a 26-yard field goal for Pitt State. Tyler Adkins added a three-yard run and Mak Sexton found Jalen Martin open for a 17-yard touchdown pass to close out the scoring.

Sexton finished the game 18 of 37 passing for 246 yards and a touchdown but was victimized by three interceptions. Caleb Lewis carried 16 times for a team-leading 60 yards. Adkins chipped in with 59 yards on 12 touches. Martin had six catches for 112 yards.

Defensively, P.J. Sarwinski posted a career high nine stops, including a quarterback sack, while Brandon Mlekus had eight tackles and a pair of pass break-ups. Dallis Flowers registered his second interception of the season as well.

The Gorillas will travel to Tahlequah, Okla., next Saturday (Sept. 18) to battle MIAA rival Northeastern State University.