Football Readies for Rival UCO
September 22, 2011
Southwestern Oklahoma State University looks to improve to 3-1 with Saturday victory over the Bronchos
The meeting of SWOSU and UCO is the 87th time in a series that has its beginnings dating back more than 100 years. Unlike previous contests, this game will not count in the conference standings but the stakes, nonetheless, remain high. SWOSU is in its first year as a member of the Great American Conference while UCO is transitioning itself into the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association next year.
SWOSU has enjoyed more success against the Bronchos than any of UCO’s 94 all-time opponents. SWOSU has beaten UCO 25 times, including last year’s 31-24 victory in Weatherford.
For the Bulldogs (2-1) to add to their win total, they will need quarterback Dustin Stenta to continue his high-level of play. Stenta is completing better than 65 percent of his passes, thrown twice as many touchdowns (4) as interceptions (2) and is averaging better than 300 yards a game. He has thrown to 10 different receivers and shown the ability to make positive yards when the pocket breaks down.
Stenta primarily uses Bruce Hatton and Eric Charles for short passes underneath while looking for Esau Bauknight on deep patters down-the-field. Hatton (28 receptions) and Charles (21 receptions) rank first and fifth in the GAC. Both tied a school record last week by catching 12 of Stenta’s record-setting 37 completions.
Defensively, SWOSU had its best game of the year against Henderson State. The Bulldogs limited the Reddies to just 139 yards of total offense. Henderson’s first five possessions were a three-and-out punt or an interception, this time by Marvin Tribble his second of the season.
SWOSU has made a few changes in its defensive front. Freshman Devin Benton and junior college transfer Stanley Kulu both made their first starts against Henderson and responded with a quarterback sack apiece. SWOSU has six on the season which rank them second in the nine-team league.
