GOODWELL, Okla. – McMurry University's veteran defense turned in three interceptions, but the youthful offense struggled at times with its new scheme in a 10-0 non-conference loss at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. The game was the season-opener for both the War Hawks (0-1) and Aggies (1-0) at No Man's Land Stadium.
 
"I thought the defense played tough," McM Head Coach Lance Hinson reflected. "I also think film will be very valuable next week. We have a lot of work to do."
 
OPSU piled up most of 358 yards of total offense on the ground (291 of it to be exact), putting the ball in the air just 16 times.  Conversely, McM mustered just 62 rushing yards and gained 148 through the air.  War Hawks starting quarterback Kevin Hurley Jr. was 15-for-25 for 108 yards and was sacked three times.  Justin Miller was 2-for-5 for 40 yards in relief.
 
Sophomore Eriel Dorsey and senior Emmanuel Mulumba led the receiving corps with 52 and 40 yards in catches, respectively.  Jeremiah Jefferson caught six balls for 11 yards.
 
Equally frustrating for the War Hawks' offense was going 0-for-3 in the "red zone."  The trio of drives ended on downs at the OPSU one yard line, an interception and a missed field goal.
 
For the McM defensive unit, Aaron Theut, Josh Smith and Jordan Washington all pilfered passes. Smith had 10 tackles and Washington eight.  Michael Green Jr. led either team with 12 tackles, eight of which were of the solo variety. Green had 1.5 tackles for loss and a pass break-up.
 
NOTES:
*The all-time series now stands at 16-9 in favor of McMurry.
*OPSU has now won the past two-consecutive meetings between the teams.
*The shutout against McM was the War Hawks first blanking since its 51-0 loss to Abilene Christian University in the 2012 season opener at Shotwell Stadium.
*The win over McMurry snapped a five-game losing streak at home for OPSU, dating back to the 2015 season.
*McM will play at Southwestern University on Saturday (Sept. 9) in Georgetown.