Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Sophomore quarterback Tyler McKeone ran for 87 yards and two scores in his first start and Nebraska-Kearney took advantage of several special teams mistakes to beat Lincoln University, 24-14, Saturday afternoon at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field.
 
The Lopers improve to 2-5 (2-4) while the Blue Tigers, from Jefferson City, Mo., slip to 1-6 (0-6).
 
McKeone (Lexington) is the 12th different player to play QB for the Lopers over the last two years and the seventh to start a game.  
 
UNK's other three signal callers -- sophomore Bronson Marsh (Millard South), redshirt freshman Sam Brauer (Seward) and true freshman Luke McNitt (Kearney) -- are all out with injuries as is receiver/QB Matt Berry (McCook). Both Marsh and McNitt should return to action soon.
 
McKeone directed a run heavy offense that galloped for 306 yards on 64 yards. Romero Cotton (Hutchinson, Kans.) had 27 carries for 107 yards and one TD with fellow sophomore Daniel DeShazer at 80 yards on 12 carries. That included a 53-yard burst that saw DeShazer leave a Blue Tiger helplessly grasping at air.
 
Next, senior Stephan Rush had 36 yards on seven carries with McKeone finishing with 15 totes.
 
Lincoln did get on the scoreboard first after Brian Smith picked off McKeone in Loper territory. Seven plays later, QB Jacob Morris hooked up with Maurice Woodard from 19 yards out.
 
UNK responded very quickly, going 70 yards on the next drive to tie things up. After five straight runs by Cotton, McKeone raced 29 yards for his first collegiate TD.
 
Lincoln then fumbled the ensuing kickoff. However, the Lopers couldn't take advantage, suffering a couple of negative runs and then missing a field goal.
 
In the second quarter, a UNK punt hit a Blue Tiger player in the back of the foot, giving the Lopers great field position. But, corner Markuice Savage picked off McKeone in the end zone to keep the game tied.
 
Lincoln's misfortunes on special teams continued in second half and after the Lopers took the opening kickoff and marched 64 yards in nine plays. That drive was highlighted by runs of 15 and 22 yards by McKeone and then a four-yard scoring scamper.
 
The Blue Tigers fumbled the kickoff, setting up another UNK TD drive. Cotton scored from two yards out on a drive last lasted only 59 seconds.  On the next kickoff, Lincoln didn't touch the ball. The Lopers promptly pounced on it, setting up shop once again deep in Blue Tiger territory.
 
Three players later, junior Jonathan Lara (Schuyler) booted a 32-yard field goal to cap Kearney's scoring
 
Both teams ended with 344 yards of offense. Lincoln was led by Morris, who was 20 of 33 for 227 yards, two TD's and one INT. He also rushed 11 times for 26 yards.  Running back Morris Henderson, among the MIAA rushing leaders, had 16 carries for 77 yards with Woodard finishing with seven catches for 55 yards.
 
McKeone completed five passes for 38 yards with senior WR Adam Repass-Orduna (Overland Park, Kans.) having a 28-yard reception.
 
Defensively, senior ILB Kellen Werner (Grand Island) had a game-high 14 tackles, including two for a loss, and a forced fumble. Fellow backer Tyke Kozeal (Sargent) had eight tackles, a fumble recovery and an INT.

Finally, seniors Matt Bowman (Kearney) and Jake Morten (Loomis) each had a sack.
 
UNK is at SW Baptist next Saturday.