2020 Missouri State Bears football team

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2020 Missouri State Bears football
MVFC co-champion
ConferenceMissouri Valley Football Conference
Ranking
STATSNo. 13
FCS CoachesNo. 13
Record5–5 (5–1 MVFC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorNick Petrino (1st season)
Offensive schemeMultiple
Defensive coordinatorRyan Beard (1st season)
Base defense3–4
Home stadiumRobert W. Plaster Stadium
Seasons
← 2019
2021 →
2020 Missouri Valley Football Conference standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 2 South Dakota State +^   5 – 1     8 – 2  
No. 12 Missouri State +^   5 – 1     5 – 5  
No. 7 North Dakota ^   4 – 1     5 – 2  
No. 6 North Dakota State ^   5 – 2     7 – 3  
No. 14 Southern Illinois ^   3 – 3     6 – 4  
Northern Iowa   3 – 4     3 – 4  
South Dakota   1 – 3     1 – 3  
Illinois State†   1 – 3     1 – 3  
Western Illinois†   1 – 5     1 – 5  
Youngstown State   1 – 6     1 – 6  
  • + – Conference co-champions
  • ^ – FCS playoff participant
  • Note: Indiana State opted out of the spring season.
    † – Illinois State and Western Illinois opted out of the remainder of the spring season on March 21 and April 5, 2021, respectively.
Rankings from STATS Poll

The 2020 Missouri State Bears football team represented Missouri State University in the 2020–21 NCAA Division I FCS football season. They were led by Bobby Petrino in his first season as the program's 21st head coach.[1] The Bears play their home games at Robert W. Plaster Stadium. They competed as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Bears won their 10th conference championship (shared with South Dakota State) and returned the playoffs for the first time since 1990. They lost in the first round at North Dakota 44–10. Bobby Petrino won the conference coach of the year award in his first season. They finished the season ranked 13th in both Coaches and STATS poll.

Offseason[edit]

Transfers[edit]

Incoming[edit]

Name No. Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown Prev. school
Breon Dixon #23 S 6'0 212 Junior Loganville, Georgia Iowa Western
I.k. Ahumibe #94 DT 6'0 295 Junior Cerritos, California Cerritos
Keshun Parker #44 LB 5'11 235 Junior Calhoun City, Mississippi Itawamba
Kyriq McDonald #6 DB 6'0 202 Sophomore Madison, Alabama Cincinnati
Jaden Johnson #8 QB 6'2 216 RS Freshman Memphis, Tennessee Southern Miss
Jeremy Webb #8 CB 6'4 205 RS Senior Mims, Florida Virginia Tech
Jimmy Williams #90 DE 6'2 272 Sophomore Raytown, Missouri Missouri Valley
Jose Pizano #38 K 5'7 221 Sophomore Lehi, Utah Snow
Matt Struck• #1 QB 6'4 220 Senior Central Point, Oregon Idaho State
Montrae Brasswell• #4 CB 6'0 185 Sophomore Avon Park, Florida Central Michigan
Tobias Little• #13 RB 6'0 237 Senior Atlanta, Georgia Louisville

Note: • Transferred in Spring, immediately eligible for Spring season.

Outgoing[edit]

Name No. Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown School Transferred to
Jaden Abdallah 26 RB 6'0 216 Freshman The Colony, Texas None
Chase Hutchison 60 OL 6'3 308 RS Freshman Raymore, Missouri None
Ian Fox 74 OL 6'4 263 RS Sophomore Phoenix, Arizona None
Zane Hekking 75 OL 6'5 301 Sophomore Chandler, Arizona Valdosta State
Casey O'Brien 70 OL 6'5 291 Junior Lemont, Illinois None
Will Taylor 90 DE 6'3 274 RS Freshman Oklahoma City, Oklahoma None
Edd Becton 91 DT 5'11 276 Sophomore Florissant, Missouri None
Claudio Martin 57 DT 6'2 286 RS Junior Overland Park, Kansas None
Levi Marshall 45 LB 6'1 217 Freshman Apollo Beach, Florida Coffeyville
Jordan Wilkes 23 MLB 6'0 231 Junior Florissant, Missouri None
Rusty Rudd 46 CB 6'2 175 Freshman Fort Gibson, Oklahoma Central Oklahoma

Preseason[edit]

Even with Bobby Petrino as head coach; expectations were low heading into the 2020 season. The Bears were coming off a 1–10 record in 2019. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the Missouri Valley Football Conference season was moved from the Fall to the Spring. Missouri State originally had non-conference games scheduled against Oklahoma, Tarleton State, and Montana. The games against Montana and Tarleton State were canceled. The Bears added a home and home series with Central Arkansas in the Fall. The game at Oklahoma was kept on the schedule as planned.

MVFC Media Poll[edit]

The Media picked the Bears to finish in a tie for 9th place with Western Illinois. This was the second straight season Missouri State was predicted to finish last in the conference.

MVFC media poll[2]
Predicted finish Team Votes
1 North Dakota State 101
2 Northern Iowa 92
3 South Dakota State 91
4 Illinois State 80
5 Southern Illinois 68
6 South Dakota 52
7 North Dakota 39
8 Youngstown State 36
9 Missouri State 23
9 Western Illinois 23

Preseason awards[edit]

Missouri State had two players selected to the 2020 All-MVFC Preseason Team. Junior wide receiver Damoriea Vick and Senior cornerback Zack Sanders were the players chosen, both as honorable mentions.

Preseason All-MFVC Team[3]
Player Team Position Year
Damoriea Vick Honorable-Mention WR JR
Zack Sanders Honorable-Mention CB SR

Personnel[edit]

Coaching staff[edit]

The coaching staff for the Bears was completed overhauled following the hire of Bobby Petrino. Director of football operations Lynn Mentzer was the only person retained from the Dave Steckel era. Former Central Michigan special teams and safeties coach Ryan Beard, joined the Bears as the defensive coordinator. Nick Petrino joined the Bears as the offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach after spending the previous season at UT Martin in the same capacity.

Name Position Alma mater Joined staff
Bobby Petrino Head coach Carroll College (1983) 2020
Ryan Beard Defensive coordinator/ Safeties Western Kentucky (2012) 2020
Nick Petrino Offense coordinator / quarterbacks coach Western Kentucky (2014) 2020
Austin Appleby Wide receivers coach Purdue (2015) 2020
Skyler Cassity Inside linebackers coach Auburn (2016) 2020
Nelson Fishback Tight ends coach/ co-special teams coordinator Western Kentucky (2015) 2020
Ronnie Fouch Runningbacks Coach/ recruiting coordinator/ co-special teams coordinator Indiana State (2004) 2020
Max Halpin Offensive line coach Western Kentucky (2016) 2020
Reggie Johnson Inside Linebackers Louisville (1996) 2020
L.D. Scott Defensive line coach/ run game coordinator Louisville (2009) 2020
Tramain Thomas Defensive backs coach Arkansas (2013) 2020
Lynn Mentzer Director of football operations Coastal Carolina (2005) 2018

Roster[edit]

2020 Missouri State Bears Football Roster

Quarterback

  •  1 Matt Struck – senior (6'4, 220)
  •  7 Darrias Pearsall – freshman (6'2, 205)
  •  8 Jaden Johnson – Redshirt Freshman (6'2, 216)
  • 10 Jake Van Dyne – freshman (6'3, 193)
  • 17 Reece Dawson – freshman (6'4, 218)

Running back

  •  5 Jeremiah Wilson – Redshirt sophomore (6'1, 216)
  • 13 Tobias Little – senior (6'0, 237)
  • 14 Myron Mason – junior (5'8, 200)
  • 20 Kellen Porter – freshman (5'10, 211)
  • 21 Myles Shaw – freshman (5'9, 180)
  • 25 D.J. Frost – sophomore (6'1, 202)
  • 27 Tra'Keci Cooper – freshman (5'11, 185)
  • 28 Kevon Latulas – junior (6'0, 200)
  • 31 Celdon Manning – freshman (5'10, 180)
  • 32 Brandon Benjamin – freshman (5'9, 200)

Wide receiver

  •  4 Lorenzo Thomas – senior (6'5 200)
  •  6 Cairo Payne – freshman (5'11, 178)
  • 16 Damoriea Vick – junior (6'3, 213)
  • 18 Ethan Swanegan – sophomore (6'5, 213)
  • 24 Payton Lusk – freshman (6'3, 182)
  • 80 Isaiah Allred – junior (6'3, 214)
  • 81 Jakael Jackson – freshman (6'1, 175)
  • 83 Jaron Burks – sophomore (6'3, 192)
  • 84 DVontae Key – freshman (5'10, 175)
  • 88 Hunter Wood – freshman (6'1, 205)

Tight end

  •  2 Ron Tiavaasue – junior (6'3, 250)
  •  9 Jordan Murray – junior (6'4, 233)
  • 11 Armand Baker – junior (6'4, 247)
  • 49 Carson Buddemeyer – Redshirt freshman (6'2, 246)
  • 86 Sloan Hayden – freshman (6'5, 240)
  • 89 Isaac Smith – senior (6'7, 250)'

Punter

  • 31 Grant Burkett – Redshirt freshman (6'1, 181)
  

Offensive lineman

  • 50 Paul Sogialofa – junior (6'5, 325)
  • 55 Andrew Colvin – senior (6'3, 310)
  • 56 Ryan Suliafu – sophomore (6'2, 340)
  • 60 Sean Fitzgerald – senior (6'2, 295)
  • 62 Ethan Barnett – Redshirt freshman (6'7, 301)
  • 63 Jake Seidel – freshman (6'5, 296)
  • 64 Nick Gallo – freshman (6'5, 295)
  • 65 Ian Fitzgerald – sophomore (6'5, 284)
  • 66 Grant Goodson – freshman (6'6, 290)
  • 67 Remy Bilodeau – sophomore (6'3, 285)
  • 68 Baylor Christy – Redshirt freshman (6'7, 305)
  • 69 Nick Nielsen – Redshirt freshman (6'5, 300)
  • 71 Arin Reynolds – senior (6'4, 315)
  • 72 Mark Hutchinson – freshman (6'2, 300)
  • 73 Landon Bebee – sophomore (6'3, 291)
  • 74 Mike Fangman – freshman (6'2, 295)
  • 76 Jake Swope – Redshirt freshman (6'7, 290)
  • 77 Kobe Brandt – sophomore (6'6, 315)
  • 79 Daniel Allen – senior (6'5, 300)

Defensive lineman

  •  2 Isaiah Sayles – DE – junior (6'3, 238)
  • 15 Kevin Ellis – DE – junior (6'4, 241)
  • 33 Anthony Payne – DE – junior (6'2, 274)
  • 47 Devin Goree – DE – freshman (6'3, 251)
  • 90 Jimmy Williams – DE – sophomore (6'2, 272)
  • 91 Ja'Veo Toliver – DE – freshman (6'5, 245)
  • 92 Godey Coleus – DL – senior (6'2, 283)
  • 93 Eric Johnson – DL – senior (6'5, 286)
  • 94 I.K. Ahumibe – DT – junior (6'0, 295)
  • 95 Jalen Williams – DE – Redshirt freshman (6'4, 240)
  • 96 Armon Wallace – DL – freshman (6'0, 289)
  • 97 Michael Pope – DE – Redshirt freshman (6'3, 250)
  • 98 Arian Bhat – DL – sophomore (6'2, 285)
  • 99 Charles Johnson – DL – junior (6'2, 330)

Long snapper

  • 61 Caden Bolz – Redshirt freshman (6'0, 240)
  

Linebacker

  •  5 Ferrin Manuleleua – junior (6'1, 225)
  •  7 Titus Wall – senior (6'0, 203)
  •  9 Mikey Miles – freshman (6'2, 218)
  • 10 Tylar Wiltz – junior (6'1, 230)
  • 44 Keshun Parker – sophomore (5'11, 235)
  • 46 Ethan Mackowski – Redshirt freshman (6'3, 225)
  • 48 Tyler Lovelace – senior (6'2, 213)
  • 52 Bryan Ulrich – freshman (6'0, 231)
  • 54 Von Young – Redshirt freshman (6'0, 226)
  • 57 C.J. Garnett – freshman (6'0, 217)
  • 58 Logan Decker – sophomore (6'1, 225)
  • 59 Lucas Eastman – Redshirt freshman (6'3, 230)

Cornerback

  •  0 Kaunor Ashley – freshman (5'10, 186)
  •  1 Zack Sanders – senior (6'0, 190)
  •  4 Montrae Braswell – sophomore (6'0, 185)
  •  8 Jeremy Webb – senior (6'4, 205)
  • 17 Nick Hessefort – sophomore (6'2, 200)
  • 22 Chanlor Johnson – freshman (6'2, 207)
  • 26 Tahj Chambers – freshman (6'2, 200)
  • 34 Kelvyn Mason – Redshirt freshman (6'0 , 184)
  • 36 Marquis Yarbrough – junior (5'11, 180)

Defensive back

  •  6 Kyriq McDonald – sophomore (6'0, 202)
  • 41 Cole Bowen – freshman (5'10, 160)

Safety

  • 19 Greg Washington – Redshirt freshman (6'0, 190)
  • 23 Breon Dixon – junior (6'0, 212)
  • 29 Dwight Jacobs Jr. – freshman (5'10, 194)
  • 26 P.J. Hall – freshman (6'3, 184)
  • 39 Brock Carter – sophomore (5'11 , 192)

Placekicker

  • 37 Spencer Grosz – Redshirt freshman (5'11, 165)
  • 38 Jose Pizano – sophomore (5'7, 221)
  • 42 Logan Brock – Redshirt freshman (6'1, 210)

Source:[4]

Schedule[edit]

Missouri State had a game scheduled against Tarleton State,[5] and Montana[6] which were later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bears played three games in the Fall. One at Oklahoma to open the season and then a home and home series with Central Arkansas.[7] The home game vs. Central Arkansas was Missouri State's Homecoming game. The Bears played a conference only schedule in the Spring. The opener against Illinois State was postponed to April 17 after winter storms made the playing surface unplayable after it was covered in snow and ice. They had two games canceled in the Spring. Illinois State opted out of the season after playing four games.[8] The game vs. North Dakota was canceled following a positive test in the Fighting Hawks program.[9]

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 12 7:00 p.m. at No. 5 (FBS) Oklahoma*
FSOK PPV L 0–48 22,700
September 26 7:00 p.m. at Central Arkansas*
ESPN3 L 20–27 2,500
October 17 7:00 p.m. Central Arkansas*dagger
ESPN3 L 24–33 5,489
February 27 12:00 p.m. at Western Illinois
ESPN+ W 30–24 421
March 6 2:00 p.m. No. 6 North Dakota State
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
 ESPN+ L 0–25 3,147
March 13 1:00 p.m. at No. 21 South Dakota
ESPN+ W 27–24 2,051
March 20 4:00 p.m. at No. 10 Northern Iowa
ESPN+ W 13–6 1,608
March 27 2:00 p.m. No. 10 Southern Illinois RV
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
 ESPN+ W 30–27 3,581
April 3 11:00 a.m. at No. 6 North Dakota No. 19
ESPN+ Canceled
April 10 2:00 p.m. Youngstown State No. 15
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
 ESPN+ W 21–10 2,948
April 17 Illinois State No. 14
  • Plaster Stadium
  • Springfield, MO
 Canceled[a]
April 24 3:00 p.m. at No. 7 North Dakota No. 12
ESPN3 L 10–44
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

[10][11]

  1. ^ On March 21, 2021, Illinois State announced that it would opt-out of the remainder of the 2021 spring season due to safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Game summaries[edit]

Fall[edit]

At #5 (FBS) Oklahoma[edit]

See also: 2020 Oklahoma Sooners football team

It was all Oklahoma in this one. The Bears were no match for the Sooners for the head coaching debut for Bobby Petrino. Oklahoma used a huge 31–0 first quarter to pull away comfortably. The Bears never really threatened and were shutout in the season opener. RS Freshman QB Jaden Johnson went 9–19 with 72 yards and an interception. WR Lorenzo Thomas had 46 yards on four catches as the leading receiver. RB Tarrell Roberts led Missouri State on the ground with one carry for 26 yards which was nearly half of the 54 rushing yards the Bears tallied up. Meanwhile; for the Sooners Spencer Rattler had four passing TD's in the first half and threw for nearly 300 yards. RB Seth McGowan had 61 yards on nine carries and found the end zone once on a 37 yard pass from Spencer Rattler. WR Theo Howard had 63 yards on five catches.[12]

Game One: Missouri State Bears (0–0) at #5 (FBS) Oklahoma Sooners (0–0)
Period 1 2 34Total
Missouri State 0 0 000
No. 5 Oklahoma 31 10 0748

at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium • Norman, OK

  • Date: Saturday,September 12, 2020
  • Game time: 6:04 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: HazyTemperature: 78
  • Game attendance: 22,700
  • Referee: David Alvarez
  • TV announcers (FOX PPV): Chad McKee (play-by-play), Chuck Long (analyst) & C.T. Steckel (sideline)
  • Pregame line: -40 1/2
Game information
First Quarter
  • (11:24) OKLA – Seth McGowan 1 yard rush, Seth Johnson kick (Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 2:13; OU 7–0)
  • (09:48) OKLA – Spencer Rattler 58 yard pass to Marvin Mims, Seth Johnson kick (Drive: 1 plays, 58 yards, 0:10; OU 14-0)
  • (06:16) OKLA – Spencer Rattler 53 yard pass to Charleston Rambo, Seth Johnson kick (Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:40; OU 21–0)
  • (04:28) OKLA – Spencer Rattler 37 yard pass to Seth McGowan, Seth Johnson kick (Drive: 1 plays, 37 yards, 0:11; OU 28–0)
  • (01:22) OKLA – Seth Johnson 42 yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays,3 yards, 1:29; (OU 31–0)
Second Quarter
  • (11:10) OKLA – Seth Johnson 22 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:41; OU 34–0)
  • (05:37) OKLA – Spencer Rattler 15 yard pass to Charleston Rambo, Seth Johnson kick (Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 3:19; (OU 41–0)
Third Quarter
  • No Score
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:20) OKLA – Tanner Mordecai 16 yard pass to Finn Corwin, Seth Johnson kick (Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:32; OU 48–0)
Statistics MSU OKLA
First downs 7 27
Total yards 135 608
Rushes/yards 24–54 35–124
Passing yards 27–72 102–136
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 10–22-1 30–36–1
Time of possession 22:49 37:11
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jaden Johnson 9/19, 72 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Tarrel Roberts 1 carries, 26 yards
Receiving Lorenzo Thomas 4 receptions, 46 yards
Oklahoma Passing Spencer Rattler 14/17, 290 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Seth McGowan 9 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Theo Howard 5 receptions, 63 yards

At #11 Central Arkansas[edit]

See also: 2020 Central Arkansas Bears football team

Missouri State was on the road for the second straight week; this time in Conway, Arkansas taking on the #11 Central Arkansas Bears. The game started slow with neither team scoring in the first quarter. Both teams exchanged turnovers early in the first quarter and Hayden Ray missed a chip shot field goal. The Second quarter was another story as the teams combined for 24 points with the Bears leading 17–7 at half. Kevon Latulas returned a blocked punt for touchdown to give the Bears a 10-0 lead. Kierre Crossley scored from 4 yards out after a Jaden Johnson fumble set the UCA offense up at the MSU 17 yard line. Missouri State opened the second half scoring with a Jose Pizano 31 yard field goal to extend the lead to 20–7 with 8:47 left in the quarter. UCA would strike on a Breylin Smith seven-yard pass to Tyler Hudson; the extra point was missed and MSU led by 7. Central Arkansas grabbed the momentum and control of the game in the early stages of the 4th quarter. QB Jaden Johnson fumbled on the first play of the quarter which was returned by Dre Matthews for a touchdown. The extra point was converted and the game was tied at 20-20. Missouri State had to punt on the next drive after three straight incomplete passes. Grant Burkett booted it 43 yards and was returned 57 yards by Tyler Hudson for Central Arkansas's first lead of the game. Missouri State was never able to score the rest of the quarter and were stopped on 4th down twice in last three minutes of the game. Bobby Petrino would have to wait another week for his first victory.[13]

Game Two: Missouri State Bears (0–1) at #11 Central Arkansas Bears (1–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
Missouri State 0 17 3020
No. 11 Central Arkansas 0 7 61427

at Estes Stadium • Conway, AR

  • Date: Saturday, September 26, 2020
  • Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), Winds SSE 2 mph; Mostly Clear
  • Game attendance: 2,000
  • Referee: Ed Bourgeois • Umpire: David Williams • Linesman: Tony Wright • Line judge: Todd Allen • Back judge: Brendon Barnes • Field judge: Keith Claiborne • Side judge: Trey Castleberry
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): John Liddle, Shea Walker, and Taylor Verrico
  • Pregame line: -16
Game information
First Quarter
  • No score
Second Quarter
  • (12:04) MSU – Jose Pizano 47-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 3:32; MSU 0-3)
  • (10:45) MSU – Kevon Latulas 16 yard punt block return, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 1:09; MSU 0–10)
  • (07:38) UCA - Kierre Crossley 4 yard run, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 2 plays, 7 yards, 0:41; MSU 7-10)
  • (04:02) MSU - Keshun Parker 3 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 3:36; MSU 7-17)
Third Quarter
  • (08:49) MSU - Jose Pizano 31 yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:15; MSU 7-20)
  • (01:24) UCA - Tyler Hudson 7 yard pass from Breylin Smith, PAT Failed (Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 0:49; MSU 13-20)
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:48) MSU - Dre Matthews 30 yard fumble return, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 1:30; Tied 20-20)
  • (14:11) UCA - Tyler Hudson 57 yard punt return, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 3 plays, 0 yards, 0:31; UCA 27-20)
Statistics MSU UCA
First downs 20 10
Total yards 291 177
Rushes/yards 42/42 36/98
Passing yards 249 79
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 25-44-1 9-24-1
Time of possession 34:57 25:03
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jaden Johnson 25/44, 249 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Kevon Latulas 12 carries, 63 yards
Receiving Kevon Latulas 6 catches, 83 yards
Central Arkansas Passing Breylin Smith 9/24, 79 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Kierre Crossley 13 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Tyler Hudson 4 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

#11 Central Arkansas[edit]

See also: 2020 Central Arkansas Bears football team

The Bears and Bears met for the second time in the Fall for Missouri State's Homecoming game. This would also be the last game that Missouri State played in the Fall and their last non-conference game. Like the first game, it was a low scoring contest through the first quarter. UCA struck first on a 47-yard field goal from Hayden Ray. This came on the heels of interception from MSU QB Jaden Johnson. Missouri State started the second half strong; scoring 14 straight points on rushing touchdowns by Kevon Latulas for 63 yards and Keshun Parker for one yard. UCA would answer with 14 straight points of their own. Deandre Lamont scored on a 36 yard pick six, and Mitch Perkinson scored on a 10 yard receiving touchdown. Missouri State added 10 more points before the half. Jeremiah Wilson was the third MSU running back to hit paydirt when he scored from nine yards out. Jose Pizano kicked a 30-yard field goal as time expired to put Missouri State up 24–17 at the half. UCA scored 16 unanswered points in the third quarter on three field goals from Hayden Ray and Breylin Smith's second touchdown pass of the game. Backup QB Jake Van Dyne threw two interceptions to stunt the offense for MSU. Missouri State would finish the fall winless at 0–3. Missouri State continued to turn the ball over with two fumbles lost and 4 interceptions.[14]

Game Three: Missouri State Bears (0–2) vs. #11 Central Arkansas Bears (2–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 11 Central Arkansas 3 14 16033
Missouri State 0 24 0024

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2020
  • Game time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C), Winds SSE 15 mph; Clear
  • Game attendance: 5,489
  • Referee: Andy Speciale • Umpire: Scott Jones • Linesman: Chris Hamilton • Line judge: Jeff Engelmann • Back judge: Cleo Miller • Field judge: Travis Evans • Side judge: Austin Hills
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Don West, Corey Riggs
  • Pregame line: -8.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • (12:26) UCA - Hayden Ray 47 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 1:46; UCA 0-3)
Second Quarter
  • (14:56) MSU - Keshun Parker 1 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:53; MSU 7-3)
  • (13:10) MSU - Kevon Latulas 63 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 1 play, 63 yards, 0:13; MSU 14-3)
  • (11:24) UCA - Deandre Lamont 35 yard interception return, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 1 play, 35 yards, 0:08; MSU 14-10)
  • (09:23) UCA - Mitch Perkinson 10 yard pass from Breylin Smith, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 1:49; UCA 14-17)
  • (04:13) MSU - Jeremiah Wilson 9 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 5:06; MSU 21-17)
  • (00:00) MSU - Jose Pizano 30 yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 2:38; MSU 24-17)
Third Quarter
  • (11:52) UCA - Hayden Ray 46 yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 3:01; MSU 24-20)
  • (07:25) UCA - Hayden Ray 43 yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 28 yards, 3:08; MSU 24-23)
  • (04:13) UCA - Hayden Ray 23 yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:10; UCA 24-26)
  • (00:59) UCA - Tyler Hudson 42 yard pass from Breylin Smith, Hayden Ray kick (Drive: 2 plays, 43 yards, 0:56; UCA 24-33)
Fourth Quarter
  • No score
Statistics MSU UCA
First downs 16 17
Total yards 330 268
Rushes/yards 41/176 37/93
Passing yards 175 154
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 18-36-0 12-29-4
Time of possession 31:14 28:47
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jake Van Dyne 7/13, 92 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Jeremiah Wilson 13 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Damoriea Vick 3 catches, 50 yards
Central Arkansas Passing Breylin Smith 18/36, 175 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Kierre Crossley 18 carries, 78 yards
Receiving Tyler Hudson 4 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD

Spring[edit]

At Western Illinois[edit]

See also: 2020 Western Illinois Leathernecks football team

The Bears traveled to Hanson Field in Macomb, Illinois for their first game of the Spring and first MVFC matchup. Missouri State jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter from a five-yard rushing touchdown from Celdon Manning and 11-yard run from Jeremiah Wilson. This was the first time all season that the Bears scored in the first quarter. They had been shutout in their previous three games. The Leathernecks dominated the second quarter; scoring 17 points to take a 17–14 lead into the half. Western Illinois took advantage of three turnovers by the Bears. Dennis Houston scored on six-yard pass from Connor Sampson after Jaden Johnson his first interception of the game. Greg Benton Jr. returned a Jaden Johnson fumble 75 yards to tie the game at 14. Another Bears drive stalled in Leatherneck territory when Jaden Johnson threw his second interception. WIU would use the possession to go up by three points as time expired when Mason Laramie connected from 45 yards out. The Bears returned the favor in the third with a 37 yard field goal from Jose Pizano. Pizano would another field goal in the 4th to give the Bears their first lead of the game since 6:50 in the second quarter. The Leathernecks retook the lead for the last when Tony Tate scored on the ground from two yards out. Jaden Johnson threw his first touchdown pass as a Bear when he connected with Isaac Smith for a 22-yard score. Jose Pizano kicked his third field goal of the game to put the Bears up 30–24 when he converted from 33 yards. Missouri State held on for the first win of the Bobby Petrino era.[15]

Game Four: Missouri State Bears (0–3) at Western Illinois Leathernecks (0-0)
Period 1 2 34Total
Missouri State 14 0 31330
Western Illinois 0 17 0724

at Hanson Field • Macomb, IL

  • Date: Saturday, February 27, 2021
  • Game time: 12:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), Winds S 5 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 421
  • Referee: Matt Gallagher • Umpire: Kyle Harbour • Linesman: Scott Landy • Line judge: Ivan Cardonan • Back judge: Bill Foltz • Field judge: Jared Budson • Side judge: Stacy Jameson
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Pregame line: -6.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • (04:54) MSU - Celdon Manning 5 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:40; MSU 0-7)
  • (00:10) MSU - Jeremiah Wilson 11 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:31; MSU 0-14)
Second Quarter
  • (10:53) WIU - Dennis Houston 6 yard pass from Connor Sampson, Mason Laramie kick (Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:11; MSU 7-14)
  • (06:50) WIU - Greg Benton Jr. 75 yard fumble recovery, Mason Laramie kick (TIED 14-14)
  • (00:00) WIU - Mason Laramie 45 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 0:51; WIU 17-14)
Third Quarter
  • (10:14) MSU - Jose Pizano 37 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 4:41; TIED 17-17)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:28) MSU - Jose Pizano 43 yard field goal ( Drive: 5 plays, 16 yards, 1:21; MSU 17-20)
  • (07:56) WIU - Tony Tate 2 yard run, Mason Laramie kick (Drive: 15 plays, 89 yards, 5:32; WIU 24-20)
  • (06:39) MSU - Isaac Smith 22 yard pass from Jaden Johnson, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 3 plays, 92 yards, 1:15; MSU 24-27)
  • (03:48) MSU - Jose Pizano 33 yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:35; MSU 24-30)
Statistics MSU WIU
First downs 21 17
Total yards 433 329
Rushes/yards 45/155 30/48
Passing yards 278 281
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 18-28-2 34-46-2
Time of possession 34:21 25:39
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jaden Johnson 18/28, 278 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Celdon Manning 16 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Damoriea Vick 6 catches, 138 yards
Western Illinois Passing Connor Sampson 34/46, 281 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Gavin DeShon 6 carries, 22 yards
Receiving Dennis Houston 9 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

#6 North Dakota State[edit]

See also: 2020 North Dakota State Bison football team

The Bears returned home following the win at Western Illinois for a matchup with the #6 North Dakota State Bison. The Bears couldn't get anything going offensively and were unable to crack the Bison Defense. 25 first half points were enough for NDSU to win the game. Bison QB Zeb Noland Threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Noah Grindorff to put the Bison up seven points. The Bears defense allowed two big plays to hand North Dakota State control. Jalen Bussey scored on a 53-yard touchdown run while Zeb Noland threw his second touchdown pass of the game when he connected with Braylon Henderson for an 81-yard score with less than 10 seconds left in the half. Jake Reinholz added a 38-yard field goal in between the long Bison scores. Jose Pizano had a 42-yard field goal blocked in the second quarter. The Bears would drop to 1–4 on the season and extend their losing streak to the Bison to 10 years.[16]

Game Five: Missouri State Bears (1–3) vs. #6 North Dakota State Bison (2–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 6 North Dakota State 7 18 0025
Missouri State 0 0 000

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), Winds WSW 3 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 3,147
  • Referee: Aaron Adams • Umpire: Dan Montgomery • Linesman: Gordy Hanson • Line Judge: Marc Shield • Back Judge: Jamie Birr • Field Judge: Dorran Stewart • Side Judge: Sam Banks
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West, Corey Riggs
  • Pregame line: -19.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • (01:49) NDSU - Noah Gindorff 7 yard pass from Zeb Noland, Jake Reinholz kick (Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 5:54; NDSU 0-7)
Second Quarter
  • (06:24) NDSU - Jalen Bussey 53 yard run, James Kaczor rush (Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:53; NDSU 0-15)
  • (01:25) NDSU - Jake Reinholz 38 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:30; NDSU 0-18)
  • (00:08) NDSU - Braylon Henderson 81 yard pass from Zeb Noland, Jake Reinholz kick (Drive: 2 plays, 81 yards, 0:17; NDSU 0-25)
Third Quarter
  • No Score
Fourth Quarter
  • No Score
Statistics NDSU MSU
First downs 15 14
Total yards 407 221
Rushes/yards 48/272 34/63
Passing yards 135 158
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 10-15-1 16-29-0
Time of possession 33:56 26:04
Team Category Player Statistics
North Dakota State Passing Zeb Noland 10/15, 135 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Jalen Bussey 10 carries, 98 yards
Receiving Braylon Henderson 1 catch, 81 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State Passing Jaden Johnson 13/21, 132 yards
Rushing Tobias Little 8 carries, 46 yards
Receiving Damoriea Vick 6 catches, 73 yards

At #21 South Dakota[edit]

See also: 2020 South Dakota Coyotes football team

Missouri State traveled North to the Dakota Dome to visit the #21 South Dakota Coyotes. The Coyotes struck first in the 1st quarter when Kai Henry scored on the ground from eight yards away. The Bears answered immediately when Montrae Braswell returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The first kick return for a touchdown in two years for the Bears. South Dakota scored again on the ground when Travis Theis scored on a 31-yard run. Missouri State fought back in the second quarter with Jose Pizano kicking a 21-yard field goal. Montrae Braswell added his second touchdown of the game when he picked off South Dakota QB Carson Camp and broke numerous tackles en-route to a 36-yard pick six. The Coyotes tied the game up at 27 when Mason Lorber knocked through a 21-yard field goal. It stayed tied through the half and most of the 3rd till South Dakota added seven more on a Carson Camp 36-yard touchdown pass to Carter Bell. The Bears would tie the game up on their next drive. Jeremiah Wilson capped off an 11 play, 75 yard drive when he scored on a six-yard run. The Bears special teams came up big in the 4th quarter. Eric Johnson blocked a 44-yard field goal attempt by Mason Lorber to preserve the tie. On the next drive; Jose Pizano put the Bears up for good 27-24 after he converted a 28 yard field goal. The Bears defense sacked Carson Camp six times in the game. Bobby Petrino got his first win vs. a ranked opponent, and the Bears won their first game in the Dakota Dome after losing their previous three games there.[17]

Game Six: Missouri State Bears (1–4) at #21 South Dakota Coyotes (1–1)
Period 1 2 34Total
Missouri State 7 10 7327
No. 21 South Dakota 14 3 7024

at Dakota Dome • Vermillion, SD

  • Date: Saturday, March 13, 2021
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C), Winds none; Indoor
  • Game attendance: 2,051
  • Referee: Rick Warne • Umpire: Keith Vaverchak • Linesman: Frank Spryszak • Line judge: Marcus Allen• Back judge: Devin Aller • Field judge: Paul Winglewich • Side judge: Ken Cloud
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Jay Elsen, Andre Fields
  • Pregame line: -10.5
Game information
First Quarter
  • (02:32) USD - Kai Henry 8 yard run, Mason Lorber kick (Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 1:51; USD 7-0)
  • (02:21) MSU - Montrae Braswell 100 yard kickoff return, Jose Pizano kick (TIED 7-7)
  • (00:50) USD - Travis Theis 31 yard run, Mason Lorber kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:31; USD 14-7)
Second Quarter
  • (09:51) MSU - Jose Pizano 21 yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 5:53; USD 14-10)
  • (08:55) MSU - Montrae Braswell 36 yard interception return, Jose Pizano kick ( MSU 14-17)
  • (04:33) USD - Mason Lorber 21 yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 4:22; TIED 17-17)
Third Quarter
  • (07:48) USD - Carter Bell 36 yard pass from Carson Camp, Mason Lorber kick (Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 1:03; USD24-17)
  • (03:41) MSU - Jeremiah Wilson 6 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:07; TIED 24-24)
Fourth Quarter
  • (07:51) MSU - Jose Pizano 28 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 4:44; MSU 24-27)
Statistics MSU USD
First downs 18 26
Total yards 325 440
Rushes/yards 40/158 39/101
Passing yards 167 339
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 18-28-0 22-34-1
Time of possession 31:51 28:09
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Jaden Johnson 16/25, 136 yards
Rushing Jeremiah Wilson 14 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Damoriea Vick 4 catches, 68 yards
South Dakota Passing Carson Camp 22/34, 339 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Kai Henry 23 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Carter Bell 6 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD

At #10 Northern Iowa[edit]

See also: 2020 Northern Iowa Panthers football team

[18]

Game Six: Missouri State Bears (2–4) at #10 Northern Iowa Panthers (2–2)
Period 1 2 34Total
Missouri State 7 3 0313
No. 10 Northern Iowa 0 3 306

at UNI Dome • Cedar Falls, IA

  • Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021
  • Game time: 4:07 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), Winds none; Indoor
  • Game attendance: 1,608
  • Referee: Matt Gallagher • Umpire: Scott Landry • Linesman: Ivan Cardona • Line judge: Chuck Morning • Back judge: Stacy Jameson • Field judge: Amy Pistone • Side judge: Scott Landry
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Brad Wells, Justin Surrency
  • Pregame line: -15
Game information
First Quarter
  • (02:32) MSU - Carson Buddemeyer 3 yard pass from Matt Struck, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 6:47; MSU 0-7)
Second Quarter
  • (01:24) MSU - Jose Pizano 31 yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:06; MSU 0-10)
  • (00:00) UNI - Matthew Cook 27 yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 1:24; MSU 3-10)
Third Quarter
  • (00:55) UNI - Matthew Cook 43 yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 3:14; MSU 6-10)
Fourth Quarter
  • (04:30) MSU - Jose Pizano 33 yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 6:09; MSU 6-13)
Statistics MSU UNI
First downs 14 11
Total yards 236 242
Rushes/yards 36/62 26/27
Passing yards 174 215
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 19-25-1 18-30-1
Time of possession 31:09 28:51
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Matt Struck 19/ 25, 174 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Tobias Little 12 carries, 41 yards
Receiving Damoriea Vick 6 catches, 67 yards
Northern Iowa Passing Justin Fomby 18/ 29, 215 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Dom Williams 10 carries, 43 yards,
Receiving Logan Wolf 3 catches, 52 yards

#10 Southern Illinois[edit]

See also: 2020 Southern Illinois Salukis football team

[19]

Game Five: Missouri State Bears (3–4) vs. #10 Southern Illinois Salukis (4-2)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 10 Southern Illinois 2 17 0827
Missouri State 7 0 71630

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), Winds SW 16 mph; Sunny
  • Game attendance: 3,581
  • Referee: Rick Warne • Umpire: Adam McClurg • Linesman: Frank Bullock • Line Judge: Bret Carpenter • Back Judge: Chris Curry • Field Judge: Chuck Morning • Side Judge: Pat Brown II
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West, Corey Riggs
  • Pregame line: -8.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • (14:49) MSU - Celdon Manning 75 yard pass from Matt Struck, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11; MSU 7-0)
  • (02:41) SIU - TEAM 1 yard safety (MSU 7-2)
Second Quarter
  • (13:37) SIU - Branson Combs 29 yard pass from Javon Williams Jr., Nico Gualdoni kick (Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 3:56; SIU 7-9)
  • (10:23) SIU - Justin Strong 28 yard pass from Stone Labanowitz Nico Gualdoni kick (Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:25; SIU 7-16)
  • (00:00) SIU - Nico Gualdoni 23 yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 0:30; SIU 7-19)
Third Quarter
  • (05:25) MSU - Celdon Manning 2 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:49; SIU 14-19)
Fourth Quarter
  • (07:13) MSU - Celdon Manning 3 yard run, Matt Struck pass failed (Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:15; MSU 20-19)
  • (05:34) SIU - Avante Cox 7 yard pass from Stone Labanowitz, Stone Labanowitz pass (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:39; SIU 20-27)
  • (02:42) MSU - Celdon Manning 23 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:48; TIED 27-27)
  • (00:00) MSU - Jose Pizano 33 yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 1:42; MSU 30-27)
Statistics SIU MSU
First downs 20 18
Total yards 431 377
Rushes/yards 38/120 33/132
Passing yards 311 245
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 27-38-1 18-30-0
Time of possession 33:16 26:44
Team Category Player Statistics
Southern Illinois Passing Stone Labanowitz 25/34, 270 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Romeir Elliott 13 carries, 42 yards
Receiving Justin Strong 9 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Missouri State Passing Matt Struck 18/26, 245 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Tobias Little 16 carries, 71 yards
Receiving Celdon Manning 6 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD

Youngstown State[edit]

See also: 2020 Youngstown State Penguins football team

[20]

Game Five: #15 Missouri State Bears (4–4) vs. Youngstown State Penguins (1-5)
Period 1 2 34Total
Youngstown State 0 3 0710
No. 15 Missouri State 0 7 14021

at Plaster Stadium • Springfield, MO

  • Date: Saturday, April 10, 2021
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), Winds W 19 mph; Light Rain
  • Game attendance: 3,581
  • Referee: Aaron Adams • Umpire: Dan Montgomery • Linesman: Denis Schinderl • Line Judge: Marc Shield • Back Judge: Jamie Birr • Field Judge: Dorran Stewart • Side Judge: Leanne Surmin
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Don West, Corey Riggs
  • Pregame line: -6.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • No Score
Second Quarter
  • (08:21) YSU - Colt McFadden 38 yard field goal (Drive: 14 plays, 45 yards, 7:40; YSU 0-3)
  • (01:43) MSU - Jeremiah Wilson 2 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 15 plays, 85 yards, 6:33; MSU 7-3)
Third Quarter
  • (08:48) MSU - Damoriea Vick 8 yard pass from Jaden Johnson, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 13 plays, 44 yards, 6:03; MSU 14-3)
  • (01:32) MSU - Damoriea Vick 31 yard pass from Jaden Johnson, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:27; MSU 21-3)
Fourth Quarter
  • (08:40) YSU - Dra Rusthon 6 yard pass from Joe Craycraft, Colt McFadden kick (Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 2:30; MSU 21-10)
Statistics YSU MSU
First downs 15 17
Total yards 267 268
Rushes/yards 39/167 47/186
Passing yards 100 82
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 10-24-0 7-18-0
Time of possession 30:15 29:45
Team Category Player Statistics
Youngstown State Passing Joe Craycraft 10/24, 100 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Jaleel McLaughlin 20 carries, 100 yards
Receiving CJ Charleston 2 catches, 45 yards
Missouri State Passing Jaden Johnson 6/12, 73 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Celdon Manning 22 carries, 99 yards
Receiving Damoriea Vick 5 catches, 59 yards, 2 TD

FCS Playoffs[edit]

At #7 North Dakota[edit]

See also: 2020 North Dakota Fighting Hawks football team

[21]

Game Five: #12 Missouri State Bears (5–4) vs. #7 North Dakota Fighting Hawks (4-1)
Period 1 2 34Total
No. 12 Missouri State 3 0 0710
No. 7 North Dakota 14 10 13744

at Alerus Center • Grand Forks, ND

  • Date: Saturday, April 24, 2021
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), Winds none, Indoor
  • Game attendance: 3,074
  • Referee: Steve Cadorette • Umpire: Corey Williams • Linesman: Mark Tarleton • Line Judge: Robert Shober • Back Judge: J. Moscarello • Field Judge: Martine Jones • Side Judge: Tim Gallagher
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Matt Stewart, Eric MacLain
  • Pregame line: -4.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • (12:40) UND - Garett Maag 50 yard pass from Tommy Schuster, Adam Stage kick (Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:48; UND 7-0)
  • (08:00) UND - Bo Belquist 48 yard pass from Tommy Schuster, Adam Stage kick (Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 2:38; UND 14-0)
  • (03:18) MSU - Jose Pizano 28 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 4:34; UND 14-3)
Second Quarter
  • (14:22) UND - Adam Stage 31 yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:50; UND 17-3)
  • (09:55) UND - Otis Weah 6 yard run, Adam Stage kick (Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 2:49; UND 24-3)
Third Quarter
  • (09:21) UND - Hayden Reynolds 15 yard blocked punt return, Adam Stage kick (UND 31-3)
  • (06:31) UND - Hayden Galvin 90 yard interception, Adam Stage kick failed (UND 37-3)
Fourth Quarter
  • (12:20) MSU - Jaden Johnson 8 yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 2:45; UND 37-10)
  • (02:17) UND - C. Mitchell 19 yard run, Adam Stage kick (Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 2:45; UND 44-10)
Statistics MSU UND
First downs 11 17
Total yards 185 364
Rushes/yards 35/88 38/141
Passing yards 97 223
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 12-31-1 13-18-0
Time of possession 29:05 30:55
Team Category Player Statistics
Missouri State Passing Matt Struck 8/15, 71 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Tobias Little 11 carries, 50 yards
Receiving Damoriea Vick 5 catches, 52 yards
North Dakota Passing Tommy Schuster 13/18, 223 yards 2 TD
Rushing Otis Weah 13 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Bo Belquist 4 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD

Awards and honors[edit]

Regular season[edit]

Missouri Valley Football Conference[edit]

Defensive Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Kevin Ellis DE February 28, 2021 [22]
Montrae Brasswell DB March 14, 2021 [23]
Tylar Wiltz LB April 11, 2021 [24]
Newcomer of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Matt Struck QB March 28, 2021 [25]
Offensive Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Celdon Manning RB March 28, 2021 [25]
Offensive Lineman of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Ian Fitzgerald OT March 29, 2021 [26]
Special Teams Player of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Jose Pizano K March 21, 2021 [27]

STATS[edit]

National Freshman of the Week
Player Position Date Ref.
Celdon Manning RB March 30, 2021 [28]

Postseason[edit]

MFVC[edit]

Regular-Season All-MFVC Team[29]
Player Team Position Year
Montrae Braswell First Team CB SO
Landon Beebee Second Team OL SO
Kevin Ellis Second Team DE JR
Eric Johnson Second Team DL SR
Kyriq McDonald Second Team DB SR
Jose Pizano Second Team K SO
Tylar Wiltz Second Team LB JR
Grant Burkett Honorable-Mention P Rs-FR
Celdon Manning Honorable-Mention RB FR
Damoriea Vick Honorable-Mention WR JR
MVFC Coach of the Year[29]
Coach
Bobby Petrino

Rankings[edit]

Further information: 2020 NCAA Division I FCS football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789Final
STATS FCS—————RV1915141213
Coaches—————RV2323181713
Athlon Power Poll—————191412101014

Statistics[edit]

Scoring[edit]

Scores by quarter (non-conference opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total
Non-con opponents 34 31 22 21 108
Missouri State 0 41 3 0 44

Scores by quarter (MFVC opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total
MVFC opponents 23 61 10 21 115
Missouri State 35 20 31 35 121

Scores by quarter (All opponents)

1 2 3 4 Total
All opponents 57 92 32 42 223
Missouri State 35 61 34 35 165

Last updated: April 21, 2021.
Source: Missouri State Athletics

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Bobby Petrino officially announced as Missouri State's next head football coach". Springfield News-Leader. January 15, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  2. ^ "North Dakota State Picked to Repeat as MVFC Champion".
  3. ^ "Missouri Valley Football Announces Preseason Spring 2021 Honors".
  4. ^ "2020-21 Football Roster". Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  5. ^ "Tarleton State Postpones Football Season Until Spring". NBC DFW. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  6. ^ "Missouri State football home opener vs. Montana appears to be off after Big Sky cancels fall season".
  7. ^ https://www.houstonherald.com/news/missouri-state-football-to-play-central-arkansas-twice-this-fall-in-addition-to-oklahoma/article_5c3d75cc-e18d-11ea-b48e-33bf5184b8d3.html[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ "Watch now: Illinois State football opts out of remainder of spring season".
  9. ^ "Missouri State Football Game Saturday at North Dakota Canceled". Archived from the original on March 29, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  10. ^ "Missouri Valley Football Conference Announces League Slate". valley-football.org. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  11. ^ "2020 Missouri State Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  12. ^ "Football vs Oklahoma on 9/12/2020 - Box Score".
  13. ^ "Football vs Central Arkansas on 9/26/2020 - Box Score".
  14. ^ "Football vs Central Arkansas on 10/17/2020 - Box Score".
  15. ^ "Football vs Western Illinois on 2/27/2021 - Box Score".
  16. ^ "Football vs North Dakota State on 3/6/2021 - Box Score".
  17. ^ "Football vs South Dakota on 3/13/2021 - Box Score".
  18. ^ "Football vs Northern Iowa on 3/20/2021 - Box Score".
  19. ^ "Football vs Southern Illinois on 3/27/2021 - Box Score".
  20. ^ "Football vs Youngstown State on 4/10/2021 - Box Score".
  21. ^ "Football vs North Dakota on 4/24/2021 - Box Score".
  22. ^ "Ellis Earns Valley Football Defensive Player of Week".
  23. ^ "Braswell Earns Valley Defensive Player of the Week Honors".
  24. ^ "Wiltz Named Valley Defensive Player of the Week".
  25. ^ a b "Manning, Struck Pick up Valley Football Honors".
  26. ^ "Fitzgerald Earns MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week Laurels".
  27. ^ "Pizano Earns Valley Football Special Teams Honor".
  28. ^ "Manning Named STATS National Freshman of the Week".
  29. ^ a b "Petrino is Valley Coach of the Year; Ten Bears Earn All-MVFC Honors".
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