Peru State opened the football season with a rare road win Saturday. The Bobcats racked up 423 yards rushing Saturday en route to a 35-27 season opening victory over Dakota State University.
The 423 rushing yards came on 43 carries, for an average of nearly 10 yards per carry. A 28 point scoring explosion in the third quarter allowed the ‘Cats to overcome a 10-7 halftime deficit, and build enough of a cushion to hold on for the win.
Fullback Ryan Ludlow led the way with 204 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including an 86 yard score.
Quarterback Bo Shepherd finished with 129 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
The 423 yards rushing is the most for Peru State in at least ten years, and the road win is the first for the Bobcats since a 24-14 victory over Culver-Stockton in 2010.
The Bobcats will open the home portion of their season Saturday when they host Baker University at the Oak Bowl. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
The 2012 Swenson Awards will be presented to last year’s outstanding student-athletes, Jake Mertens and Lydsay Drumm, at halftime of Saturday’s game.