PITTSBURG -- The Pittsburg State University defense turned in a dominant performance and the No. 17 ranked Gorillas posted a 23-6 victory over the University of Nebraska-Kearney Saturday (Oct. 4) at Carnie Smith Stadium.

Pitt State (4-2, 3-1 MIAA) registered four quarterback sacks and limited the visiting Lopers (4-2, 2-2 MIAA) to just 48 net rushing yards on 27 carries in the contest. UNK came into the contest averaging an MIAA-leading 221.4 rushing yards. The Lopers managed just 157 total yards on the day.

Wide receiver Damien Long II hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jackson Berry on the game's opening drive as Pitt State covered 75 yards in 10 plays for a 7-0 lead.

Austin Schmitt, who converted three of five field goal attempts on the day, booted a 27-yard attempt for a 10-0 halftime advantage. He added kicks of 33 and 35 yards in the third quarter to build a 16-0 advantage.

UNK's only score in the contest came on a muffed punt return that Zane Schawang recovered in the Pitt State end zone for a touchdown with 14:06 to play in the game. The Pitt State defense closed out the game in style with Kristian Cross returning an interception 42 yards for a touchdown with 3:51 to play in the game.

Berry completed 24 of 31 passes for 256 yards in the game, including eight connections to wide receiver Kuron Parchmon for 83 yards. Wide receiver Greyson Holbert also had six grabs for 71 yards. Safety Steven Ward II made a team-leading seven tackles for the Gorillas, while safety Jordan Rogers registered six tackles, including a QB sack. Linebacker Blake Carr also posted six stops, including 1.5 behind the line of scrimmage.

UNK's Daron Bryden completed 12 of 21 passes for 93 yards, while running back Jahmez Ross rushed 13 times for 50 yards.

The Gorillas will return to Carnie Smith Stadium next Saturday (Oct. 11) to entertain Washburn University for Homecoming at 2 p.m. (CDT).