Northwest Missouri State used a suffocating defense to pave the way to a 14-0 win over Nebraska Kearney and the program's seventh consecutive victory.
The Bearcats (7-1, 6-0 MIAA) limited the Lopers to a season-low 111 total yards, and forced three turnovers.
Nile Schuett became just the 11th defensive player to earn the Don Black Award, which goes to the Homecoming MVP. Schuett totaled four tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in the win.
The defense held UNK in check while the Northwest offense tried to gain traction. The Bearcats struggled with four turnovers of their own, including three lost fumbles.
They did break through late in the second quarter, however. Zechariah Owens capped a six-play, 73-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run to give Northwest a 7-0 lead with 3:52 left in the opening half.
The score stayed that way until the Bearcats put together a drive that would seal the game. Chris Ruhnke marched Northwest 97 yards in 13 plays, including a fourth down conversion. Te'Shaun Porter finished it off with a seven yard run up the middle to give the 'Cats a 14-0 advantage.
Porter accounted for 48 yards on the drive with a steady dose of rushes and receptions. He finished the afternoon with 41 rushing yards on eight carries and four receptions going for 42 yards.
Northwest takes its perfect MIAA record on the road next Saturday, November 8, against Emporia State. Kickoff is at 1pm. Pregame on KXCV 90.5 and KRNW 88.9 begins at noon.