MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The (RV) Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (5-1 GAC) defeated the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs (2-4 GAC) in a defensive slugfest in Magnolia on homecoming.
 
The Muleriders offense came out hot on their first possession driving down the field and striking first as Hezekiah Harris connected with Arkez Gomez across the middle of the field for a 43-yard catch and run touchdown to put SAU up 7-0 early.
 
The rest of the first quarter was highlighted by both defenses as each team stood tall forcing punt after punt. The Bulldogs finally broke onto the scoreboard in the second quarter as Ethan McBee kicked a field goal to cut into the Mulerider lead, 7-3. Both offenses then struggled the rest of the way through the second quarter as each team was held off the scoreboard. Despite the offensive struggles, the Blue and Gold took a 7-3 lead into the half.
 
After deferring the opening coin toss, the Bulldogs started with the ball in the second half and drove down the field but the Blue and Gold defense was able to force another field goal as SWOSU took advantage and cut the deficit to one point, 7-6.
 
The big blow of the game came on the ensuing kickoff as Cooper Sanders fielded ball at the 7-yard line and took it to the house for a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Sanders kick return for a touchdown was the last since Melvin Smith Jr.'s 99-yard kick return for a touchdown at SWOSU in 2024.
 
Yet again, the rest of the third quarter was a defensive struggle as both teams fought to put points on the board. At the end of the third quarter, SAU led 14-6. The fourth quarter set up for a test of toughness as the Blue and Gold defense continued to battle to hold a lead and keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard. SWOSU was able to break through with four seconds left on the clock and score a touchdown to pull within two points, 14-12. The Bulldogs then went for two to tie the game but were held out of the end zone as seniors Casey Cobb and Nathan Earle Jr. made a huge defensive stand to tackle Bulldogs quarterback MJ Rivers short of the goal line and preserve the Muleriders lead.
 
The Bulldogs attempted an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff which was negated by a penalty and SWOSU got another chance but failed to convert another onside as Cole Cory recovered the kick and the Muleriders took home a gritty victory at home.
 
The SAU defense was truly remarkable today collecting nine tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and an interception from James Ladner. The defense stood tall despite being on the field for 83 plays and 43 of the 60 minutes in the ball game.
 
Kendrick Juniel led the game with 10 total tackles but was followed closely behind as both Nathan Earle Jr. and Hunter Hewitt had nine total tackles. Earle collected 0.5 TFL and Hewitt also had 2.5 TFL on the day.
 
Next Up:
The Muleriders will be back in action next Saturday, October 18th against Arkansas Tech in the Murphy USA Classic. The game will be played in El Dorado, Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM.
 
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