Lincoln, NE - Nebraska Wesleyan fell to Dakota State, 37-7, in their season opener Saturday night. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
First half: After the teams traded punts on their first few possessions, Dakota State broke open the scoring with an eight play, 35 yard drive that was capped off with a touchdown. Nebraska Wesleyan started their ensuing drive strong, picking up 28 yards on their first four plays, but then quarterback Connor White was picked off and the interception was ran back for a touchdown to put the Spartans up 14-0. After forcing a punt, Dakota State extended their lead with a three play 74 yard touchdown drive which made the score 20-0 after a failed extra point. 

Second half: In the second half, Dakota State continued to play well on defense and offense, forcing a punt before embarking on a nine play, 75 yard drive that established a 27-0 lead. The Spartan's lead grew to 30 after a field goal midway through the fourth quarter, before Dakota State scored again to go ahead 37-0. Nebraska Wesleyan fought to the very end as Joey McLaughlin caught a 26 yard touchdown pass from Keaton Erdmann as time expired. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Total Yards: DSU 338 | NWU 226
Passing Yards: DSU 197 | NWU 144
Passing Touchdowns: DSU 2 | NWU 1
Rushing Yards: DSU 141 | NWU 82
Rushing Touchdowns: DSU 2 | NWU 0
First Downs: DSU 18 | NWU 14
Turnovers: DSU 0 | NWU 1

PLAYER STATS
Connor White (QB): 18-30, 118 yds, 1 int
Keaton Erdmann (QB) 1-3, 26 yds, 1 td
Trystin Myers (RB): 12 att., 49 yds, 4.1 ypc.
Joey McLaughlin (WR): 2 rec, 26 yds, 1 td
Hunter Hanke (DL): 11 tackles, 6 solo, 5 assisted, 1 TFL, 1 PBU

UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan will host Mayville State on Saturday, September 13th at 1:00 p.m.