FHSU, PSU and WU Pick Up Saturday Wins

Fort Hays State 45, Western State College 17
GUNNISON, Colo. -- Fort Hays State did not have to put up huge numbers on offense to win its season opener at Western State College, thanks to the kick return game. The Tigers scored three touchdowns on consecutive returns, a kick and punt return by C.J. Lovett and a kick return by Kenny Kinard, lifting the Tigers to a 45-17 win.

For the game, Fort Hays State totaled 376 yards on kick and punt returns. Lovett had a total of 253 yards (119 kickoff and 134 punt) on five returns, an overall average of 50.6 yards per return. Kinard finished with a total of 121 yards (90 kickoff and 31 punt) on two returns.

Harding 17, Missouri Southern 15
SEARCY, Ark. - An 11-yard touchdown pass from Josh Powell to Tyler Quinn with 18 seconds left gave Harding University a 17-15 win over Missouri Southern in the Lions' season opener Saturday night.

Southern had two scores from senior Daniel Thompson, one through the air and another on the ground, and out gained the Bisons, 377-363. Toderick Hunt had 20 carries for 88 yards, and Collin Howard added 64 yards on 18 carries for the Lions.

Pittsburg State 42, Central Oklahoma 13
PITTSBURG, Kan. -- Terrance Isaac rushed for 103 yards and three scores and seventh-ranked Pittsburg State University surged past 16th-ranked University of Central Oklahoma in the fourth quarter for a 42-13 win Saturday at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium.

John McCoy, in his debut start at quarterback for the Gorillas, completed 11 of 20 passes for 221 yards, including a 63-yard scoring connection to Aaron Sawyer. He also carried the ball 11 times for 24 yards and a touchdown.

Minnesota State-Mankato 31, Truman 13
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. -- The Truman Bulldogs missed out on some big opportunities in their season opening loss to No. 17 Minnesota State Mankato on Saturday night at Stokes Stadium. The Mavericks defeated the Bulldogs 31-13 in front of a capacity crowd.

Phillip Davis finished his first career start for Truman going 18-of-34 for 198 yards and was the team's leading rusher with 60 yards on 12 carries.

Washburn 27, Colorado Mines 14
GOLDEN, Colo. -- Washburn opened the 2009 season with a 27-14 win over Colorado Mines topping the Orediggers for the fifth straight time. The Ichabods will open Yager Stadium next Friday as they take on New Mexico Highlands at 6 p.m.

Justin Cooper led Washburn with 136 yards rushing on 13 carries, averaging 10.5 yards per carry. Vershon Moore had 10 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. Dane Simoneau was 17 of 26 for 236 yards and one touchdown. Joe Hastings had four catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.