MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The high-powered offense of Southern Arkansas (5-1) put Oklahoma Baptist (3-3) in a hole early, and one that was too deep to climb out of as OBU suffered a 63-24 defeat on Saturday afternoon in Magnolia.
The Muleriders racked up nearly 600 yards, including 477 yards on the ground, while the Bison were held to 291 total offensive yards. A bright spot for Oklahoma Baptist was its passing attack, which produced 198 yards, led by freshman quarterback Kenny Rosenthal.
In the most action he's seen all season, the signal-caller accounted for 242 yards of offense, highlighted by 164 yards on 15 completions and a touchdown through the air. He was just as effective on the ground, carrying the ball 10 times for 78 yards with a game-long scurry of 30 yards.
However, it wasn't enough, as the SAU offense was firing on all cylinders. The Muleriders jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the opening stanza before Luke Watkins put OBU on the board with a 31-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Following the three points, Southern Arkansas posted a 75-yard scoring drive before adding another to lead 28-3 going into the break.
Coming out of halftime, the OBU defense caught a break as a Deangelo Wagoner fumble was recovererd by Chase Whitebear, putting the green and gold on SAU's 33-yard line.
Then, a trick-play pass from Alex Nabavi to Haven Lysell-Stewart for 32 yards put the Bison within striking distance. Offensive lineman Andrew Sawyer sealed the drive with a one-yard rush, the first of his career, narrowing the gap to 28-10.
The Muleriders scored on the next drive, but OBU pressed on. After an illegal touching call on Southern Arkansas' kickoff, Oklahoma Baptist started on SAU's 37-yard line.
Rosenthal marched the offense down to the 13-yard line, but it was to no avail as a nine-yard scamper failed to convert a fourth down.
With the field flipped on the turnover of downs, Tainique Taylor brought the SAU drive to a halt with an interception that went 78 yards to the house.
This would be the extent of the Bison's success, besides a late touchdown from Rosenthal to Gavin McCurley, as SAU rode to victory.
McCurley led the receiving corps with three catches and 48 yards, while Charles Whitebear hauled in a game-long reception of 40 yards.
Defensively, Scooter Baker turned in a 12-tackle performance, while Nick Carpin was in on nine stops. Brett Karhu added a sack, his sixth of the season.
Oklahoma Baptist will complete its two-game road tour next Saturday at Southwestern Oklahoma State (0-6). Kickoff in Weatherford is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
