Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney football team looks for a third straight win in "The Jungle" when it heads to third-ranked Pittsburg State Saturday afternoon.

It'll be "Family Day" at Carnie Smith Stadium with a large crowd expected for a Gorilla squad that has won 23 of its last 27 games. Last year, Pitt (3-0) went 12-1 with its only setback coming at eventual national champion Ferris (Mich.) State, 17-14, in the second round of the Division II playoffs. The game is available via The MIAA Network, The River 93.1/106.9 KRVN FM and live stats.  

UNK (1-2) has traditionally played well at Carnie Smith, sporting a record of 7-6. That includes victories in 2020, 31-26, and 2021, 28-17. Conversely, the Gorillas have played well in Kearney, having a 9-3 record. The series dates back to 1974 with the programs meeting every fall between 1974-88. 

Pitt's success at Cope Stadium included last year's thriller, a 35-28 win that featured a 72-yard touchdown pass with 12 seconds remaining. On the strength of 267 rushing yards and three ground scores, UNK built a 21-7 lead. However, Pitt quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. finished 20 of 29 for 290 yards and four TD tosses. He hit receiver Bryce Murphy down the right side of the field for the unexpected game winner.

Dodson Jr. (221 ypg, five TD's) is off to another hot start with receiver Kolbe Katsis (21 recep., 276 yds.) replacing Murphy as his favorite target. Katsis is the current MIAA Offensive Player of the Week as Pitt slipped past Central Missouri, 38-37, last Saturday in Warrensburg. 

Speedy newcomer Antwan Squire (#7) and Cleo Chandler Jr. (#20) run behind a line that includes left guard Cooper Schettler (#69) and left tackle Trase Jeffries (#74). Both are redshirt seniors and 2022 All-MIAA picks. Finally, 6-6 tight end Devon Garrison (#88) is a threat in the red zone.

The Gorillas have been a big second half team, scoring 83 points to 29 in the first half. Defensively, they've allowed 27 after the break and 31 in the first half. A unit with four returning All-MIAA picks allows 19 points and 296 yards per game. Seeing teams convert 38% on both third and fourth down, Pitt is led by backer Dubem Okonkwo (#32) and Alex Gaskill (#6) and defensive backs Rico Payton (#1) and Michael Lacey (#8).

On special teams, freshman Austin Schmitt (#49) is 5 for 5 on field goal tries and 11 for 11 on PAT's. The Gorillas missed two field goals (31 and 44 yards) in that playoff loss at Ferris.

Under first-year head coach Ryan Held, UNK looks to turn the tide in close games. During its 2021 playoff season, the "Last Minute" Lopers went 4-1 in games decided by eight points or less. The squad has gone 2-4 in such contests since then, including setbacks of 18-13 (Missouri Southern) and 24-21 (Central Oklahoma) this fall.

The offense is at 22 points and 312 yards per game with the defense ranking among the MIAA's best. They allow just 20 points a game, have a 42% red zone TD rate and allow teams to complete only 57% of its passes.

A rotating lineup is paced by safety Tre O'Guinn (24 tackles, one interception, two PBU's), tackle Tell Spies (18 tackles, 3.0 TFL's, two blocked PAT's) and linebackers Zach Schlager and Joko Willis (combined 26 tackles, 3.0 TFL's, three PBU's, two QB hurries).

Spies became the first Lopers in five years to block a PAT when he got to two last Saturday against the Lions. A week earlier, back Jamaal Joseph (Miami) deflected a punt vs. Northeastern State.

Sixth-year QB TJ Davis (Colorado Springs) continues to pace an offense. He is coming off one of his best games as a passer; 20 of 25 for 220 yards, one TD and one INT. The pick was a bubble by a receiver with UNK dropping another ball later in the game. Davis has a 66% completion percentage to date, five points better than his career high set in 2021.

Scoring at least 14 points in all four quarters, the balanced "O" has seen 14 different Lopers with a catch and eight players carry the ball at least once. Joseph and junior newcomer Tamicus Napier (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) having rushing scores, along with three for Davis, with junior newcomer Cole Brown (Dallas, Ga.) at two TD grabs. Finally, UNK is among the league leaders in kick (28.7) and punt (16.0) returns thanks to back Zane Schawang (Waverly) and receivers JerQon Conners (St. Louis) and Darrius Jackson (St. Louis).

UNK returns home next Saturday for "Homecoming" with the Washburn Ichabods (1-2) the opponent. The game kicks at 2 p.m.; WU is at No. 25 Central Missouri (2-1) this weekend.
 

UNK Release/Depth Chart & Roster

PSU Information