The #8 Central Oklahoma football team scored 14 points off turnovers in a 55-38 victory over Emporia State to win the 2024 MIAA championship outright at Chad Richison Stadium in Edmond, Okla. on Saturday. ESU struggled offensively to start the game and had no first downs and -10 yards after the first 15 minutes to trail 14-0. The Bronchos took a 24-7 lead into the break before the Hornets made it competitive in the second half. Quarterback Gunnar Gundy didn’t play in the second half due to an apparent injury and redshirt-senior Chase Ricke stepped in to keep the Hornets close, but the Hornets couldn’t get consecutive scores in the final frame. ESU got as close as 10, but UCO scored with 1:05 to go to put the Hornets away and secure their first MIAA title in program history.
ESU (7-4, 5-4 MIAA) suffered its third-straight defeat to end the season. Ricke finished 28 of 43 for 394 yards and three touch downs. He said it was a meaningful opportunity to help the team one last time.
Sixth-year graduate receiver Tyler Kahmann finished with 12 receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns to cap a second straight season with at least 100 catches, over 1000 yards receiving and at least 20 touchdowns. He said his team had no regrets.
Head coach Garin Higgins said he would miss this team.
The Bronchos will await their postseason fate when the NCAA playoff bracket is released on Sunday.
