The #18 Pittsburg State football team used big plays to turn aside Emporia State 42-29 at Welch Stadium in Emporia on Saturday. The Gorillas started the game with a bang after a penalty put PSU in third and short and the visitors capitalized to tally first on a 68-yard rushing score. ESU punted, then fell behind 14-0 as Pitt State scored on their next drive. ESU battled back with the next 16 points in a row on a field goal and two touchdown passes from quarterback Ben Harris to Malik O’Atis and Mason Ford with ESU getting one of the PATs blocked, but the Gorillas scored with less than a minute to go before the half to lead 21-16. Pitt State recovered an onside kick to score on the opening drive of the second half and ESU never got closer than two scores the rest of the way. Head coach Garin Higgins said it was a frustrating day for the Hornets.
Harris had career highs going 40-for-60 passing for 453 yards and two scores. He said self-inflicted mistakes hurt his team.
ESU (1-3, 0-2 MIAA) was outrushed 395-150 in the game. The Hornets are back on the road to face Missouri Western Saturday, October 4. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. on Mix 104.9.
