Despite what the final outcome of the season may be for the Pittsburg State football team, players are focused on one thing heading into their final game of the season Saturday at Truman State.
“We’re just trying to send the seniors out with a win,” said junior offensive lineman Nick Speed.
With the Gorillas (5-5, 3-5 MIAA) essentially playing for pride rather than an NCAA Division II playoff spot, the Pitt State seniors are even taking stock of their final season heading into their final game as Gorillas.
“It’s been pretty weird,” said senior defensive lineman Mike Roberts. “This is the last one that you’re going to get.”
Roberts, one of three current seniors that started as true freshmen — Jordan Karr and Zack Langston are the others — put his final season in perspective, as well, in few words.
“People are disappointed,” Roberts said.
Regardless, the Gorillas are gearing up for the Bulldogs (1-9, 0-8) and hoping to avoid the first losing season in head coach Chuck Broyles’ 20 seasons at the helm of the Gorillas.
The Bulldog offense averages 16.2 points and 262.9 total yards per game this season. They are last in the MIAA in scoring, total offense, rushing (131.7 ypg) and passing (131.2 ypg).
“They have thrown a different offense each of the last three weeks,” Roberts said. “It looks like they will line up with two tight ends so we are going to focus on the run.”
The Truman defense has allowed 35 points per game and 419.5 total yards. They are ninth in the league in points allowed and eighth in total yards given up. They have surrendered 30 or more points in eight of their 10 games this season.
Senior free safety Demetrius Lavant has a team-leading 95 tackles, including three for loss, one interception and five pass breakups.
It is a defense that the resurgent Gorilla running game may be excited about seeing.
The Gorillas are fourth in the league in total offense (438.3 ypg.) and first in the MIAA in rushing with 212.6 yards per game.
Running back Terrance Isaac picked up 172 yards on 29 carries in a 31-28 overtime loss to Nebraska-Omaha last week.
“We have put ourselves in a good position running the sides where we have the numbers,” Speed said. “All I try to do is get the block done and play as hard as I can.”
Kickoff in Kirksville, Mo., is set for 1 p.m. at Stokes Stadium.
NOTES: The last time that Pitt State football has lost five conference games was in 1977.
Matthew Clark can be reached at matthew.clark@morningsun.net or at 620-231-2600, Ext. 140. Follow Morning Sun sports at twitter.com/mssports
PITTSBURG —
