PITTSBURG — An opportunistic Pittsburg State University defense forced seven turnovers to help propel the Gorillas to a 20-10 victory over the University of Central Oklahoma Saturday (Nov. 11) in the regular season finale.
Pitt State (10-1, 9-1 MIAA) clinched a share of the 2023 MIAA Championship with the victory over the Bronchos (5-6, 4-6 MIAA) and locked up an expected invitation to the 28-team NCAA Division II playoffs.
Quarterback Ty Pennington, subbing for an injured starter Chad Dodson Jr., led the Gorillas on four scoring drives in the contest. He passed for 108 yards including a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Steele Roring.
Running back Cleo Chandler Jr. carried the ball 15 times for 85 yards and a five-yard TD jaunt that gave the Gorillas a 17-7 lead midway through the second quarter.
Kicker Austin Schmitt booted field goals of 37 and 42 yards in the contest, the latter staking the Gorillas to a 10-point lead with 3:56 to play in the game.
Cornerback Rico Payton helped lead the Pitt State defense with a pair of interceptions. The Gorillas forced four fumbles and limited UCO to 47 net rushing yards on 23 carries in the game.
Safety Jordan Rogers also made his six interception of the season in the contest, while Ely Wilcox, Michael Lacey, Kuron Parchmon and Zach Coenen all made fumble recoveries to halt UCO drives.
The Gorillas, who have won 21 of their last 22 MIAA contests dating back to the 2021 season, now await the NCAA Selection Show Sunday (Nov. 12) at 5 p.m. (CST).
