SWOSU Blanked by Midwestern State, 49-0

September 3, 2005

Weatherford, Oklahoma - Southwestern Oklahoma State University paid handsomely in its first encounter with a Lone Star Conference football-playing opponent as Midwestern State ran way with a lopsided 49-0 win over the Bulldogs.

SWOSU (1-1) was bullied and bruised in just about every facet as the Indians scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions while rolling up 595 yards in total offense. The Bulldogs managed just 108 yards of total offense and ran only five plays on MSU’s side of the field. The Bulldogs closest penetration was the Indians’ 30-yard line.

SWOSU coach Ryan Held, who signaled in plays from the pressbox to his aides on the sideline, said although he was disappointed in the game’s final margin it should be viewed in perspective.

"This was an eye-opening experience, but it’s just one game.” Held said. “It’s not the end-of-the-world. We knew Midwestern is good. That’s the level we hope to be someday competing for conference titles and making the national playoffs. We got a lot of work ahead of us.”

Midwestern used eight different runners in gaining 432 yards on the ground. They were led by all-conference tailback Ross Harrison who had 141 yards on 14 carries and four touchdowns.

Offensively, SWOSU quarterback Steve Day completed just six-of-19 passes for 65 yards.

Terry Sampson, who rushed for 92 yards in the Bulldog’s, 13-10 win over OPSU, was held to just 13 yards on 13 carries against the Indians.

The Bulldogs will return to action Saturday, Sept. 10 when they host (0-2) Eastern New Mexico. Kickoff for the Parent’s Day game is set for 6 p.m. at Milam Stadium.