The Tiger football team had a 21-14 lead after three quarters, but Pittsburg State scored 24 unanswered points in the final quarter to post a 38-21 comeback win in Hays. Two big special teams mistakes cost the Tigers in an attempt to defeat the Gorillas for the first time since 1978.

The Tigers took a 7-0 lead early on a 36-yard touchdown pass to O.J. Murdock from Mike Garrison just over two minutes into the game. The first special teams mistake was allowing Pittsburg State to block a punt at the Tiger 4-yardline, which set up a very short field for a Pittsburg State touchdown on a one-yard run by Jeff Smith. After one quarter, Fort Hays State was outgaining Pittsburg State in total offense 166 to 8.

The Gorillas struck first in the second quarter on their second one-yard touchdown run of the game, this time from Briceton Wilson. The Tigers responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Garrison to Murdock again and the teams went into half tied at 14-14.

The Tigers took control with four minutes remaining in the third quarter when Garrison scrambled for an 18-yard touchdown run. Pittsburg State cut the lead to 21-17 early in the fourth quarter on a 34-yard field goal by Jake Craig.

The second big miscue by the Tigers was on the ensuing kickoff, as the Tigers let the ball fall in an open gap where the Gorillas recovered at the FHSU 30-yardline. That allowed Pittsburg State to strike quickly, getting a 13-yard touchdown run from Terrance Isaac to take a 24-21 lead.

The next two Tiger drives stalled out just past midfield and Pittsburg State capitalized on each with Zac Dickey rushing for touchdowns from 30 and 13 yards to put the game away for PSU.

Mike Garrison finished 21-of-38 passing for 230 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He passed Dustin McEwen for second on the all-time passing yards list at Fort Hays State.

O.J. Murdock finished with five catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Murdock and Garrison set a new school record for touchdown passes between a quarterback and receiver at FHSU, now with 18, passing the old mark of 16 set by Lance Schwindt and Dustin McEwen.

James Walker finished with a team-high 10 receptions for 81 yards. He also churned out 45 yards on the ground. Garrison rushed for a team-high 55 yards in the game, giving the Tigers an even 100 yards on the ground.

Alex Whitehill led the Tiger defense with 13 tackles. Timothy Parker and Michael Walker each recorded interceptions in the game.

The Tigers are now 3-5 overall and 1-5 in the MIAA. Pittsburg State moved to 4-4 overall and 2-4 in the MIAA. The Tigers head to face the defending national champions in Northwest Missouri State next week in Maryville, Mo. Game time is set for 2 pm.