Southwest Minnesota State set a season-high 618 yards of offense. Concordia-St. Paul took advantage of several big plays to earn a 37-20 win.

It was a record-setting day for SMSU senior wide receiver Nate Huot in his final collegiate game. Huot tied a school single-game record with 19 receptions and in the process became the school’s all-time leader in receptions with 269.

Alvin Ashley (1990-93) had the record with 252 receptions. Huot also closes his career with 3,304 yards receiving, which is second in team history, and his 30 touchdown receptions ranks third all-time.

SMSU lost eight straight, finishing 2-9. 0-7 in NSIC South.

CSP opened the game’s scoring on a 51-yard field goal by Schenderlein with 9:27 remaining in the first quarter.

SMSU scored on their second drive as Huot caught his final touchdown as a Mustang to put SMSU up 7-3.

CSP regained the lead moments later as Shaq Johnson broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run on third-and-one to put the Golden Bears back on top 10-7 late in the first quarter.

The SMSU defense forced three three-and-outs later in the half, but the SMSU offense failed to convert, ending four drives inside the CSP 40-yard line in the second quarter.

CSP struck with another big play late in the half as Johnson found a wide open Marcus Gustaveson for a 45-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 24-7 at halftime.

SMSU finished the opening half with 364 yards of offense and 20 first downs. CSP had just six first downs in the half and were 1 for 5 on third-down conversions. Big plays were killers for the Mustangs during this game.

Ben Simmons had an explosive 89-yard touchdown run to close the gap, making the score 27-14.

CSP’s kicking game proved to be very strong as they kicked yet another field goal to make the score 30-14. This time from 51 yards out.

SMSU wasn’t done quite yet as Simmons capped off a long drive to bring the Mustangs within 10.

That’s as close as they would get, however, as the final was 37-20.

“It’s always hard watching the seniors walk off the field for the last time” Coach Sauter said.

The Mustangs graduated 15 seniors this year.