CLEVELAND, Miss. -- The Miners fell to 0-2 this season with last night's loss to the Delta State Statesmen, losing 55-18.
After a competitive first half in which the Miners led twice, S&T found themselves down at halftime 31-18, giving up a late field goal partly due to a personal foul by the defense in the final seconds of the half. The second half was a one-sided story, with the Statesmen outscoring the Miners 24-0.
The Miners leaned heavily on the run game, finding success early, with A.J. Harris rushing for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opening half.
Delta State got off to a hot start in the 1st, running a bootleg play on the second play of the game that Quarterback Cole Kirk took 89 yards for a touchdown. S&T responded with a 10 play, 75-yard drive that led to a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Harris. The Miners converted on a two-point attempt to take an 8-7 lead.
DSU scored again on their next drive, taking a 14-8 advantage over S&T on a 24-yard catch and run by RB Kelvin Smith. Despite getting to the Delta State side of the field, the Miners did not have answer with their next drive and had to punt it away.
A three and out by the Statesmen would get the Miners the ball back quickly, leading to another Harris rushing touchdown in the opening minute of the 2nd as the Miners reclaimed the lead. S&T would give up points on three of the next four Statesmen drives though, with only a 28-yard field goal by
Layne Ryals (Louisburg, KS/Louisburg) to answer for it, leading to a score of 31-18 in DSU's favor at the half.
Delta State dominated the second half, outscoring the Miners 24-0. S&T's offense was stifled in the second half, only gaining 84 yards and 3 first downs, leading to a 55-18 win for DSU.
C.J. Wiggins had a career-high in receptions with 10, gaining 106-yards in the process.
What's Next:
The Miners will be in Rolla for their first home game of the season when they host Lincoln of California on Saturday at 6pm at Allgood-Bailey Stadium.
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