Box Score
Springfield, Mo. - The Youngstown State football team dropped a 21-10 contest to No. 15 Missouri State on a cool and sometimes rainy Saturday afternoon at Plaster Stadium.
YSU took a 3-0 lead midway through the second quarter on a 38-yard field goal by Colt McFadden. The YSU defense dominated with MSU starting quarterback Matt Struck in the contest. However, Struck was replaced by Jaden Johnson late in the second quarter and the Bears found some offensive momentum.
Just before halftime, MSU took a 7-3 lead on a two-yard run by Jeremiah Wilson. On the first drive of the second half for MSU, Johnson threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Damoriea Vick. Later in the third quarter, the pair hooked up again on a 31-yard touchdown pass with 1:32 left in the period.
YSU pulled within 21-10 with 8:40 remaining when Joe Craycraft connected with Dra Rushton on a four-yard touchdown pass. It was the first touchdown of Rushton's YSU career.
TB Jaleel McLaughlin was able to rush for more than 100 yards for the fifth consecutive contest. He had 20 carries for 100 yards against the Bears.
The Penguins had 267 yards of total offense while Missouri State finished with 270. Craycraft was 10-of-24 for 100 yards, with a long of 35 yards to C.J. Charleston in the fourth quarter. Grant Dixon led the YSU defense with 12 solo tackles. Johnson completed 6-of-12 passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
YSU falls to 1-6 overall and in conference play while MSU improves to 5-4 and 5-1.
The Penguins are scheduled to close out the Spring season next Saturday against North Dakota. Kickoff at Stambaugh Stadium is set for 12:05 p.m.
