Wayne State's offense cranked out more than 500 yards in total offense, but needed a last-second touchdown to force overtime before coming away with a thrilling 19-13 win over Southwest Minnesota State in the Wildcats' home opener Saturday night.
Penalties killed the Wayne State offense, as they had 197 yards on 16 penalties on the night, yet led 6-3 at the half on a pair of Ethan Knudson field goals.
Southwest came back to take a 13-6 lead going to the fourth quarter, mounting one decent drive the entire night against a solid Wildcat defensive effort that gave the Wayne State offense one final chance with the ball at the Wildcat 23 and 2:32 left on the clock.
The Wildcats drove down the field and were able to get inside the Mustang 5-yard line, setting up a connection between Andy McCance and Jason Hawkins with :03 left in regulation, and the game was tied at 13-13 after Knudson's extra point.
Wayne State's defense held on Southwest's overtime possession, and the Mustangs missed on a 35-yard field goal attempt. Wayne State moved the ball to the Southwest 10-yard line, and McCance looked for Wayne native Mason Lee in the corner of the end zone, where the sophomore went up and snagged the alley-oop pass for the winning score to give Wayne State the win.
Wayne State held a 3-to-1 edge in total yards, racking up 550 yards to Southwest's 180. There were 30 penalties called in the game, with Wayne State being whistled 16 times for 197 yards to Southwest's 14 infractions for 83 yards.
McCance was 21-of-38 for 290 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 95 yards on 17 tries to lead the Wildcat ground attack. Devin Merkius had 86 yards on 17 carries. Taurean Grady had five recceptions for 49 yards and Lee had two for 46 yards.
Wayne State plays at Augustana next Saturday, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
