Nebraska-Omaha Falls Short in Kanza Bowl

TOPEKA, Kan. (UNO Media Relations) - The University of Nebraska at Omaha football ended its 2009 season with a loss to West Texas A&M at the Kanza Bowl Saturday afternoon at Hummer Sports Park, 31-25.

The Mavs trailed 10-9 after the half, but took the lead in the opening second of the second half when linebacker Kyle Moore stepped in front of a Taylor Harris pass and for a pick six. Greg Zuerlein put the Mavs up 16-10 with the PAT.

The Buffaloes regained the lead when Tyson Williams scampered into the end zone from 15 yards out. James Chandler's PAT put WTAM up 17-16.

On UNO's next drive, the Mavs drove the ball into Buffalo territory, but were forced to try a 54-yard Zuerlein field goal attempt. WTAM defensive end Broderick Marshall made the play of the second half when he blocked the Zuerlein kick and returned it 27 yards into UNO territory. The blocked field goal set up a 40-yard touchdown pass from Harris to running back Keithon Flemming on the next play. The PAT gave WTAM a 24-16 lead.

UNO tailback Duane Bowen got the Mavs within two points on his two-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter, 24-22.

The Buffaloes answered back on their next drive when Harris tossed his second touchdown pass of the game. This time a 38-yard touchdown strike to Brittan Golden that gave the Buffs their biggest lead of the game, 31-22.

Zuerlein helped the Mavs keep pace with the Buffs in the first half. The junior booted three field goals in the second quarter, including a career-long 52 yarder that put UNO within one point at the 11:32 mark of the second quarter, 7-6.  Zuerlein was 4-for-5 on field goal attempts on the day. He also hit on a 40-yarder in the fourth quarter that got the Mavs within six points.

Greg Wunderlich went 26-44 for 252 yards on the day. He threw one interception and was sacked four times on the day.

The Mavs gave the Buffs a heavy dose of tailback Levi Terrell. The freshman gained 98 yards on 28 attempts.

The Mavs had the upper hand in first downs, 22-14, and compiled 367 yards to WTAM's 352 yards of total offensive.

UNO finishes the 2009 season with a 7-5 record. The Mavericks are now 2-1 all-time in bowl game appearances. The Buffaloes improved to 7-5 on the year.