Indians down Southwestern Oklahoma 24-17
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Indians down Southwestern Oklahoma 24-17

  • 17 September 2005
  • 2 min read

            WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Midwestern State University never trailed, but had to hold on late to defeat Southeastern Oklahoma State 24-17 in Lone Star Conference crossover action Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.

            MSU (2-1 overall, 1-1 LSC) scored with 2:50 to play on junior Ross Harrison's 27-yard run to go up 24-10.

            But SOSU (1-3 overall, 1-2 LSC) went on a nine-play, 60-yard drive to pull within seven when Justin Pitrucha hit Sean Cooper from 14-yards out with 51 seconds to play.

            Southeastern Oklahoma's Pete Cuva bounced the onside kick high, where MSU's Keith Flanagan caught it, but fumbled.   The Indians were saved when Darrius Richard then fell on the loose ball at the MSU 44 allowing MSU to run out the clock.

            MSU was hampered by the injury bug and penalties throughout the contest.   MSU uncharacteristically surrendered the ball four times in the game, while SOSU turned it over three times.   MSU was also flagged 10 times for 95 yards.

            But of those seven combined turnovers, only one score was recorded.

            After the Indians fumbled near the SOSU goal, MSU's pressure defense caused Southeastern freshman reserve quarterback Pitrucha to hurry a throw from the endzone that was batted in the air.   Indian Courtney Allen intercepted the pass a the three and stepped in for the touchdown.

            MSU collected 397 total yards in the contest and held SOSU to 244.   Southeastern though collected 200 of those stripes in the second half.

            Harrison led the Indians by collecting 124 yards on 21 carries with the touchdown.   Junior quarterback Rahsaan Bell posted 207 yards of total offense.   He completed 18-of-26 passes for 175 yards with two interceptions, and collected 32 yards rushing on 10 carries.

            Pitrucha, who entered the game in the second quarter and played the entire second half, led Southeastern by hitting 11-of-25 passes for 180 yards with two touchdowns and the interception.

            Midwestern State will open LSC South Division play next Saturday by traveling to San Angelo to take on the red-hot Angelo State Rams.   Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at San Angelo Stadium.

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