Springfield Standard

Missouri State University Bears started strong in their home opener against SMU, scoring the first 10 points and holding the Mustangs scoreless through five possessions. However, SMU responded with a comeback to secure a 28-10 win at Robert W. Plaster Stadium.

Quarterback Jacob Clark led Missouri State by completing 23 of 37 passes for 275 yards and one touchdown. Receiver Dash Luke contributed five catches for a game-high 80 yards. The Bears finished with 328 total offensive yards and recorded 19 first downs.

The game was played in high temperatures, reaching 91 degrees at kickoff—the hottest home opener for Missouri State since 2013. A crowd of over 15,000 attended the matchup.

J.J. O'Neal intercepted an SMU pass early in the game, setting up a field goal by Yousef Obeid to give Missouri State an initial lead. Later in the first quarter, Clark connected with Luke for a touchdown after a drive that included key runs from Shomari Lawrence and a long completion to Tristian Gardner.

SMU gained momentum in the second quarter with Dramekco Green’s six-yard rushing touchdown following a sustained ground attack. After Missouri State’s next drive stalled near midfield, SMU capitalized on penalties and short plays to take the lead before halftime on another rushing score by T.J. Harden.

In the second half, Missouri State struggled offensively, gaining only 126 yards. Their best chance came early in the third quarter but ended with an interception inside SMU's red zone. SMU extended its advantage as R.J. Maryland caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Jennings later in the third quarter.

Jennings completed 24 of 36 passes for 281 yards and one touchdown for SMU, while Harden rushed for a game-high 96 yards and two touchdowns. The Mustangs outgained Missouri State with 448 total yards despite accumulating 130 penalty yards and prevented any third-down conversions by the Bears (0-for-12).

On defense, Christian Ford led Missouri State with seven solo tackles. Dylan Dixson added six tackles while Thomas Anderson had five stops and recovered a fumble.

Missouri State continues its three-game homestand next Saturday at Robert W. Plaster Stadium against UT Martin during Family Weekend. Tickets are available online or at the box office at Great Southern Bank Arena during regular hours.