Northwest Missouri State took down the defending MIAA champion to run its win streak to four straight wins.
The Bearcats (4-1, 2-0 MIAA) downed the Central Oklahoma Bronchos 38-16 Saturday afternoon in Maryville.
After being locked in a 7-7 stalemate after 15 minutes, Northwest outscored UCO 21-3 over the next two quarters to take control and hand the Bronchos their first conference setback.
The Bearcats used a great effort upfront to stifle a potent rushing attack and limit the Bronchos to a season-low 120 yards on the ground. The Northwest front seven also spent the majority of the day in the UCO backfield, accumulating three sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
The Northwest offense found a rhythm as the game wore on, with Chris Ruhnke delivering a solid day. The senior quarterback scored the first touchdown on a 54-yard scamper, and later threw a pair of touchdown passes.
Erwin Nash finished with five receptions for 99 yards.
It marks the first win over a ranked opponent in the John McMenamin era.
The Bearcats are off this week. They will get back on the field October 11 in Warrensburg against Central Missouri.