Randall’s two touchdowns help power Missouri State past NAU

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Jason Randall rushed for a career-high 181 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Missouri State survived a turnover-plagued game with a 40-8 defeat of Northern Arizona on Saturday, scoring half its points off turnovers.

Randall, who had 20 carries, scored on a 47-yard burst up the middle on the third play of the game. The Bears scored in every quarter, led 23-6 by the half and piled up 297 yards on the ground. Peyton Huslig threw for 144 yards and a score. He completed 11 of 28 passes and was intercepted four times.

NAU nearly matched Missouri State in total yards — 431 to 441 — but turned the ball over six times and were whistled for 101 yards in penalties. Daniel Bridge-Gadd was 25-of-42 passing for 257 yards and a touchdown, but he threw three interceptions.

The Lumberjacks came as close as 10-6 early in the second quarter when Joe Logan went 48 yards on a swing pass from Bridge-Gadd.

But Randall capped an 86-yard Missouri State drive with a run from the 3 with four minutes left in the half, and the Bears scored the next 30 points.