(Maryville, MO) — Running the football has got to be a priority for NW Missouri St. (0-2) this week as they host #25 Fort Hays State. In their first two games, the Bearcats have 15 total yards of net rushing while they have given up 312 yards. Northwest is one of 39 NCAA Division II football teams without a rushing touchdown this season. QB Chris Ruhnke has tried to pick up the slack in the air, going 40-62 for 579 yards and 5 TD — he ranks #5 in NCAA Division II in passing yards and is first in the MIAA. Luke Matthews has 10 receptions for 207 yards and leads the MIAA in yards per game receiving while Fullback Tank Young has caught 7 balls for 95 yards.
The one dimensional offense is trying to avoid 3 game losing streak to start the season — something that has not happened since NW Missouri St. went winless in 1994. Northwest has begun a season without a victory through its first three games on 21 occasions. The Bearcats lost to Fort Hays St. last year 17-6 which had broke a three game win streak versus the Tigers.
Fort Hays St. (2-0) topped #24 Angelo St. 21-7 in their opener and last week beat Missouri Western 30-16. The Tigers are led by Senior RB Shane Watts with 221 yards on the ground and 2 TD. Junior QB Jack Dawson has thrown for 429 yards, 3 TD, and 2 INT — he was sacked five times last week so the Bearcats will try to pressure Dawson although Northwest has just two sacks this season. However, Senior defensive lineman Jake Fisher has posted 26.5 career tackles-for-loss and 14.0 career quarterback sacks.
Game time is 6 pm on Saturday, it is Military Appreciation Day.
NCAA Div. II Passing Yardage Leaders
1. Alex Fries (Michigan Tech) 718
2. David Wright III (Clark Atlanta) 699
3. Jake Martinelli (South Dakota Mines) 607
4. Cole Kirk (Delta State) 607
5. Chris Ruhnke (Northwest Mo. St.) 579
6. Gunnar Gundy (Emporia St.) 544
7. Devin Larsen (CSU Pueblo) 508
8. Zach Zebrowski (Central Missouri) 503
9. Hayden Ekern (Minnesota St.) 487
10. Chad Dodson (Pittsburg St.) 484