The Peacock football team lost their NSIC South Division opener at Southwest Minnesota State University, 47-7, in Marshall, Minn. SMSU scored four touchdowns in the second quarter and never looked back on the way to a Homecoming victory. The Mustangs improve to 4-1 overall, while Upper Iowa falls to 0-5.

Big advantages in rushing, passing and total offense gave the home team the control in the contest. SMSU ran for 252 yards and four scores on 41 attempts and added 184 yards in the air and two touchdowns for a total of 436 yards and six touchdowns on the day. 

UIU did reach a new season-high in rushing yards on the evening with 134, but the Peacocks only picked up 67 yards through the air on seven completions with two interceptions.

After the Peacock defense forced a punt on the Mustangs' opening drive, SMSU was able to score a touchdown on their next four offensive possessions and mixed in a 30-yard interception return by Onte Burns, the reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Week. Peter Osman scored two of his three touchdowns in the barrage of points by the Mustangs.

The Mustangs added two more touchdowns in the second half including Osman's third touchdown in the third quarter. 

Upper Iowa ended the day's scoring with a touchdown with just over four minutes to play in the game. Aboubacar Barry capped off a 14-play, 72-yard drive where the Peacocks held the ball for over seven minutes of game time. Desean Phillips ran for 29 yards during the final drive and rushed for 97 yards on 18 attempts in the game. Barry covered 34 yards on his 13 carries.

SMSU's rushing attack was led by Donald Austin with 124 yards and Blake Allen, who picked up 83 yards. Justus McComb threw for 184 yards and two scores. 

Stacey Terry and Collin Jones each recorded 10 tackles in the game with one of Terry's stops coming behind the line of scrimmage. Both Tyler Owen and Trevor Thompson made seven stops apiece, while Peyton Bieber added six.

Upper Iowa will head back inside Harms-Eischeid Stadium next Saturday, Oct. 8 for the 2022 Homecoming Weekend game. The Peacocks will line up against the Vikings of Augustana University at 3 p.m.