JOPLIN, Mo. – The No. 6-ranked Northwest Missouri State University football team used a stifling defense and a potent offense to post a 49-7 road victory over the Missouri Southern Lions at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
 
Northwest (8-1 overall) scored its 26th straight victory over the Lions (3-7 overall) in the all-time series.
 
The Bearcats held the Lions to minus-10 yards rushing and 75 total yards. Northwest simply shut down the MSSU rushing attack in the second half by holding the Lions to minus-29 rushing yards in the final 30 minutes of action. MSSU managed two first downs in the second half and six in the game.
 
Northwest used a 28-point second quarter outburst to open up a 35-0 lead at the break. The Bearcats added a pair of fourth quarter scores to close out the 49-7 victory.
 
The Bearcat defense contributed two touchdowns on the day with a pick-six from Drew Dostal and a fumble recovery by Andrew Blum on a sack by Zach Howard.
 
Running back Al McKeller ran through the MSSU defense as he recorded sixth 100-yard rushing game on the season with 140 yards. McKeller cashed in three of his 25 carries for touchdown runs. McKeller scored on runs of one yard, two yards and 22 yards.
 
Northwest will play its final home regular season next Saturday against the Emporia State Hornets. Kick is set for 1:30 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium.
 
NOTES: Northwest has scored at least 38 or more points against Missouri Southern in 14 consecutive matchups … Northwest put up 511 yards of total offense despite turning the ball over three times with interceptions … Northwest gained 234 yards on the ground and 277 yards through the air … Sam Roberts notched a team-high seven tackles … Zach Howard tallied two quarterback sacks … Dostal intercepted two passes and was credited with 37 return yards … Northwest posted five total quarterback sacks … Mike Hohensee passed for 264 yards on 18-of-22 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions … Kaden Davis secured his third 100-yard receiving game with seven catches for 102 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter … Alec Tatum caught four passes for 35 yards and has now caught at least one pass in 12 straight games dating back to the 2019 season.