Nebraska-Kearney ran for five touchdowns and ended a three-game losing streak to the Hornets with a 34-20 victory over Emporia State on Saturday at Cope Stadium in Kearney, Neb. UNK scored first after an ESU penalty took the Hornet offense out of a third and short and the Lopers marched down the field with a 98-yard drive. ESU tied the game on a 55-yard reception by Ethan Schultze from Ben Harris. ESU took their only lead of the game on a 45-yard catch by Kingsley Bennett with just over 11 minutes to go in the first half. UNK scored twice in the final five minutes of the first half to lead 20-13 at the break with each team missing a PAT.
ESU tied the game on a 33-yard Mason Ford touchdown catch, but the Hornets wouldn’t score again. The Loper rushing attack wore down the Hornets as UNK dominated time of possession holding the ball for 38:40 in the game. Isaiah Harris, the MIAA rushing leader coming into Week 3, ran roughshod over the Hornets with 24 carries totaling 269 yards and four scores. Harris finished 34-for-55 for a career-high 382 yards and three touchdowns. Malik O’Atis caught 10 passes for 107 yards and Ethan Schultze had 5 receptions for 101 yards and a score. Landon Boss had career-high 13 tackles including one sack.
ESU (1-2, 0-1 MIAA) returns to Welch Stadium for their first home game in nearly a month when they host #18 Pittsburg State for Family Day. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. with coverage at noon on Mix 104.9.
