CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The West Virginia State University football team was defeated, 56-10, by No. 23 NCAA Division I FCS Southeast Missouri State on Saturday afternoon at Houck Stadium. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Redhawks, 10-7, in the third quarter.

WVSU falls to 2-1 overall with the loss. Meanwhile, SEMO jumps to 2-2 on the season with the win.

Junior linebacker Dustin Crouser and freshman defensive lineman Cody Stanley each had eight tackles to lead all players in the game. Sophomore running back Taveon Hunter returned four kickoffs for 122-yards, including a long of 70-yards. Senior wideout Isiah Scott made five receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown to lead the WVSU receiving corps.

Southeast Missouri State outscored West Virginia State 28-0 in the first half.

The Yellow Jackets recovered an on-side kick to start the second half. They finished off the drive with a 20-yard pass completion from freshman quarterback Donovan Riddick to Scott for a touchdown.

Junior kicker Martin Ahlstroem converted a 34-yard field goal attempt late in the third quarter to move the score to 35-10 in favor of the Redhawks. The successful field goal attempt meant that WVSU outscored SEMO, 10-7, in the third quarter.

The Redhawks pulled away in the fourth quarter, putting up a 21-0 scoreline.

West Virginia State heads to Concord next for a Mountain East Conference clash on Saturday, Sep. 28 at 1 p.m.