ABILENE, Texas – The McMurry University football team did not get the outcome it was hoping for in its 2018 season-opening game, falling to Trinity University, 44-0, in a non-conference bout at Wilford Moore Stadium. The game was the season opener for both the War Hawks (0-1) and the Tigers (1-0).
 
The two teams slugged it out in a scoreless first quarter, as each defense kept the others' offensive unit at bay. Trinity managed 58 yards on 20 plays and McM posted 49 yards of offense on 11 plays.
 
However, TU tallied touchdowns on three-consecutive possessions in the second quarter to grab the 20-0 advantage at the half. The Tigers came out in the second half and kept their momentum, putting points on the board in their first three possessions of the third stanza, as well adding seven points in the fourth period.
 
Trinity out-gained the War Hawks in total offense by a margin of 531-265. The biggest disparity came in the ground game, as the Tigers amassed 287 yards compared to 80 yards rushing by McMurry.
 
Three TU quarterbacks combined for 244 yards through the air, producing four touchdowns. McM hit for 185 aerial yards, the bulk of it coming from the arm of Kevin Hurley Jr.  Hurley was 12-for-23 for 175 yards, with no interceptions.
 
Junior wide receiver Eriel Dorsey led McMurry's receiving corps by hauling in six passes for 105 yards, with a long grab of 29 ards. Trevion Harris had two catches for 38 yards. Tanner Clark had three catches for 12 yards. Harris also had a 13-yard punt return to his credit.
 
The War Hawks offense had several chances to score - two in the first half – both of which stalled at the Tigers' 16, but resulted in missed field goals. Late in the third, McM drove down to the Trinity 12, but gave the ball over on downs.
 
McMurry sophomore linebacker Josh Smith had a game-leading 10 tackles, five solo. Fellow sophomore linebacker Xavier Dunn added seven stops. Defensive back Rae Anderson chipped in five tackles and a pass break-up. Freshman defensive lineman Darreion McLean had McM's lone sack and a game-high 3.0 tackles for loss.
 
McMurry will next host Southwestern University on Saturday, September 8, in its American Southwest Conference opener.