GLASSBORO, N.J. – Junior quarterback Connor Cox tossed three touchdown passes and the Frostburg defense put forth another impressive effort as the 11th-ranked Bobcats improved to 4-0 behind a 24-10 win over Rowan, Saturday.
The Bobcats (4-0, 3-0 NJAC) have proven to be one of the nation's best defensive units and the matchup with the Profs (3-1, 2-1 NJAC) didn't disappoint.
Frostburg entered the contest with the nation's top rushing defense (11.0 ypg) and it held the Profs to just 46 yards on the ground on 26 carries. The Bobcats also held Anthony Diorio to just 54 yards on 21 rushes. Diorio was averaging over 138 yards per game entering Saturday's contest and was the league's second-best rusher in terms of yards per contest.
In total, Frostburg held Rowan to just 214 yards in total offense and 10 second-quarter points.
On the other side of the field, Frostburg's offense gashed Rowan's defense for 375 yards, including 137 on the ground and 238 through the air. Through its first three games, Rowan was allowing just 195.7 yards per game, the nation's fifth-best mark.
Frostburg put points on the scoreboard first as Cox found senior wide receiver Joe Beckford for a 59-yard touchdown pass with 2:35 showing on the clock for a 7-0 cushion. It was the longest drive of the afternoon for Frostburg as it covered 85 yards in just six plays.
The Profs answered in the second quarter with 10 points behind a Tyler Knighton 22-yard field goal and an 11-yard touchdown pass from Naldy Tavarez.
Frostburg missed a 46-yard field goal attempt as the second quarter clock expired and the hosts held on to their 10-7 lead at intermission.
The second half, however, was a different story as the Frostburg defense held the Profs to just 23 yards in offense and one first down. The Bobcats also allowed just three net rushing yards after intermission.
Frostburg took the lead for good midway through the third quarter when Cox found junior tight end Christian DiPaola for a 19-yard scoring strike on the opening drive. It was DiPaola's team-leading third touchdown reception of the season.
Later in the third, senior Hassan Mostafa connected on a 19-yard field goal as Frostburg pushed its lead to 17-10.
The Bobcats set the final at 24-10 when Cox tossed his third touchdown of the afternoon. He found sophomore Malik Morris for a 43-yard score with 5:06 left in the game.
Cox finished with 238 yards passing on 13-of-25 attempts and his three scores. He connected with senior Russell Neverdon six times for 80 yards and DiPaola three times for 50 yards.
Junior tailback Jamaal Morant led the rushing attack with 89 yards on 26 carries, while sophomore Gavin Lavat ran for 48 yards on 11 rushing attempts.
Senior defensive tackle Niles Scott led the defensive effort with seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Sophomore Graylin Walker finished with seven tackles, a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble.
The Bobcats are back in action in two weeks when they host 22nd-ranked Wesley at 1:00 pm.
Notes: The win is the 13th-straight for the Bobcats dating back to week three of last season … The 13-straight wins also tie the school record that was set in 1989 and 1990 seasons … The victory is also the 11th-straight league win for Frostburg … It marks the first 4-0 start to a season for Frostburg since 1999.