SHERMAN – Jess Hoel passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more as McMurry sprouted wings after a lackluster first half and went on to a 34-9 victory.
 
The War Hawk defense was stellar throughout, keeping Austin College out of the end zone and holding the home team to a dozen first downs, 2.6 yards per carry and forcing a pair of turnovers.
 
"The defense has just been incredible," said McMurry head coach Jordan Neal. "They gave up six points to Lyon, gave up eleven to TLU and they gave up nine today. I mean it's just unbelievable the way we've been able to rely on those guys. We've just kind of come to expect that from Coach Snyder in the defense."
 
Hoel was the leading passer and rusher for McMurry. He was 21 of 30 for 269 yards. He rushed 11 times for 73 yards. Kristopher Martin had five catches for 101 yards
 
McMurry scored on its first drive, using huge third-down plays. Hoel and Kristopher Martin hooked up for a 27-yard gain on third and 12. Hoel then took off on a run on third-and-20, converting on 25-yard run. Hoel capped the drive with a 15-yard scoring pass to Tristen Hall. Hoel passed to Hall for two points and an 8-0 lead.
 
Known for its ball control, McMurry turned the ball over twice in the first half and only scored a field goal for the rest of the half with Jax Rodriguez connecting from 20 yards with 10:15 left in the half. The War Hawks led 11-9 at the half.
 
"We have to give some credit to Austin College," said Neal. "They outplayed us at times, especially in the first half.
 
Rodriguez added a 19-yard field goal for a 14-9 lead with 8:02 remaining in the third quarter.
 
Kason O'Shields took a punt 68 yards to set up a one-play, one-yard drive with Hoel strolling in for a 20-9 lead with five seconds to go in the third quarter.
 
Hoel completed passes to O'Shields for 15 yards and 48 yards to Hall to set up his second DR run, this time from three yards out, for a 27-9 lead at the 9:47 mark of the fourth quarter.
 
The McMurry defense pinned the Kangaroos deep, allowing one yard on three plays to force a punt from the AC four-yard line. The punt was short and the War Hawks were set up at the AC 35.
 
Hoel rushed for 15 yards and found Thomas Chandler for a 20-yard touchdown for the final margin, 34-9, with 3:07 left in the game.
 
Kane Strohman had 3.5 tackles for loss and Jackson Harris was credited with 1.5 TFLs. Each had one sack. Herman Lee and Zachariah Mitchell were credited with interceptions. Strohman led the War Hawks with eight tackles.
 
McMurry's third consecutive win moves the War Hawks to 3-1 on the season. McM stands alone atop the SCAC at 3-0.
 
The War Hawks have their bye week and return to action on Oct. 12 at Centenary to wrap up the first half of the SCAC season.