ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western had three touchdown plays over 60 yards as they won their fourth straight to defeat the Truman Bulldogs 45-7 on Saturday afternoon at Spratt Stadium. The Bulldogs had a season high 158 yards rushing but the Griffons rolled up 632 yard of total offense.

Richie Schumacher continued his strong season by picking off Western quarterback Travis Partridge as the Griffons were threating to score on their opening drive. The Bulldogs moved the ball into Griffon territory but the drive stalled out at the Western 37.

On the ensuing possession, the defense forced a punt but Reggie Jordan took the snap and had the convoy in front as he went 64 yards to the endzone on the fake and the 7-0 lead.

Partridge was able to convert on a pair of third downs early in the second quarter then found Jordan on a four-yard slant and a 14-0 lead as they used a short field following an interception by the Bulldogs.

Greg Zuerlein tied Derek Koon for the conference consecutive field goal record by making a 28-yard field goal to cap off an eight-play, 67-yard drive with 3:49 left in the half. 

The dagger was thrown late in the half as Partridge connected with Tarrell Downing following a touchback for an 80-yard touchdown pass and a 24-0 lead.

The Griffons had nearly 400 yards of total offense in the first half and finished with 632 yards, 271 on the ground and 361 through the air.

Western added a six-yard run by Michael Hill early in the third quarter and Derek Libby caught a 60-yard touchdown pass from Partridge to make it 38-0

The Bulldogs got on the board early in the fourth as Conrad Schottel ran it in from 11 yards out to finish off a six-play, 40-yard drive set up by a fumble recovery by Adam Reynolds.

Jerrin Walton capped off the scoring with a 29-yard run to end a five-play 93-yard drive.

J.B. Clark struggled going just seven of 15 for just 42 yards while Schottel came in to finish 6-of-21 for 91 yards.

Harnish Ayora had 82 yards on the ground with Donald Harvey gained another 65 as the Bulldogs posted a season-high 158 yards on the ground.

Eric Phillips averaged 48.3 yards per punt including four over 50 yards while Schumacher led the defense with 15 tackles.

Partridge was 15-of-24 for 278 yards and three touchdown passes but also threw two interceptions. Michael Hill gained 95 yards on 22 carries.

The Bulldogs will wind down the three game road swing next week by traveling to Emporia State next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.