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The University of
Central Missouri Mules (2-0) passed test number two on the season
with flying colors. The Mules pounded Gulf South Conference member
Arkansas Tech 49-13, Wednesday night at Walton Stadium.
The Mules’ defense held on the first
drive of the game by Arkansas Tech. Senior running back Glenn Milner
took care of the rest. He reeled in a 10 yard pass from junior
quarterback Eric Czerniewski. Milner was not done; he scored four
more touchdowns in the game. His five touchdowns tied the school
record held by Will Caldwell and Elliott Eley. Milner led the Mule
ground game with 18 attempts for 137 yards and three touchdowns. He
also caught four passes for 28 yards.
Milner ran over, around and through
Arkansas Tech defenders. This is the type of running game that I
wanted to see. When Milner is able to square his shoulders he is
really hard to bring down.
Arkansas Tech drove down the field to
the UCM five yard-line. The defense stiffened and forced a
field-goal attempt, which was blocked by senior defensive tackle
Tyler Nay.
Milner found the end zone again to stretch the lead to 14-0.
Arkansas Tech answered with a quick score of their own. UCM
proceeded to put up the next 35 points to take control the game. The
scoring barrage was highlighted by a 95 yard kickoff return to open
the second half by senior Damond Berry. The Mules’ special teams did
a good job blocking while Berry took off down the sideline.
Arkansas Tech found the end zone late in the game. The Mules’
special teams made another play when sophomore Shawn Cox blocked the
extra point attempt.
Czerniewski led
the Mules through the air going 17 of 25 for 201 yards and three
touchdowns. Junior Tim Richmond caught five passes for 45 yards.
Senior Edgar Givens caught three passes for 89 yards and a
touchdown.
The Mules’ defense continued its solid play, especially on third
down holding the Wonder Boys to one of 10. Sophomore Karl Parker led
the defense with six tackles, one interception and a pass breakup.
Senior John Wood also contributed six tackles. Senior Ryan Nesbitt
also picked off a pass.
This is a great
non-conference, in-region win for the Mules. The Wonder Boys did not
play to the level of their capabilities. They will be a handful for
upcoming opponents. Last Thursday night, the Mules were able to ride
a wave of momentum to the victory. It’s nice to have two Division II
wins in the non-conference, but as we all know, the games will get
tougher as the Mules prepare for MIAA play. On Saturday, UCM will
travel to Kirksville to take on Truman State in its first road
contest of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Scouting Truman State
The Bulldogs (1-0) are led by fifth-year Head Coach Shannon Currier.
Truman features a multiple offense and a 3-4 defense. The offense is
led by senior quarterback Matt Ticich. Ticich, a second-team
all-conference performer last year, led the TSU passing attack with
2,579 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Senior defensive end Les Hammers leads the Bulldog defense. Hammers
earned second-team all league last year. He posted 78 tackles, 10.5
for loss and 6.5 sacks. Truman also features an outstanding
place-kicker in junior Mickey Masucci. He was a second-team
all-conference pick. He was 10 of 13 on field-goal attempts last
year.
Truman defeated Southern Arkansas 34-21 in the season opener for the
Bulldogs. Freshman Donald Harvey led the Bulldog rushing attack with
33 yards on 13 carries. Ticich was 9-26 through the air for 146
yards and a touchdown. Phil Kenney led the Truman receivers with
four catches for 41 yards.
Senior linebacker Jason Thier led the Truman defense with 14 tackles
and one interception. Senior linebacker Mike Phillips added eight
tackles.
Keys to the Game
I think there are three keys to the game for the Mules. The Mules'
defense must do a good job of defending the pass. Truman likes to
throw the ball all over the place. Last Saturday, the Bulldog
passing game was not as sharp as they would like it to be, something
tells me that will be ironed out this week.
Secondly, the Mules need to come out
and start fast like they have in the first two games. This will
allow them to establish the running game and not be forced to play
from behind against a potent Bulldog offense.
Finally, the Mules' special teams need
to be solid. Truman blocked a punt against Southern Arkansas. It
would also help if the Mules were able to able to make a play of
their own on special teams. |
by David Rohrbach
