Oct. 4, 2003

Final Stats

CLINTON, Miss. - Hardin-Simmons' nationally-ranked football team went on the road to Clinton, Miss., and came away with a 21-0 win over Mississippi College, Saturday afternoon in American Southwest Conference action.

The shutout was the Cowboys' first since a 44-0 win in 1998 in Abilene, over Mississippi College.

The Cowboys stopped the Choctaws on the first possession of the game and then went on a 8:58, 19-play, 88-yard drive that was capped on a 5-yard option run by Lance Moore. Mason Grimes added the point after touchdown and the Cowboys led 7-0 with 2:21 to go in the first quarter.

HSU's defense responded on the Choctaws next drive forcing a quick turnover on downs and HSU went eight plays and 69 yards for another touchdown. Moore did the honors again this time from four yards out.

Joe Lemberg then got in the act as he took a punt that appeared to be sailing over his head for a big punt, over the soulder turned to the right spun back to the left and 60 yards later had his first career punt return for a touchdown. It was the second straight game the Cowboys have returned a punt for a score. The return gave HSU a 21-0 lead with 2:58 to go in the half.

Neither team was able to get on the board in the second half as both teams had two turnovers. All-American cornerback Alex Hansen had two interceptions in the game for the Cowboys to give him five for the season. He has a pick in the last three games.

Lance Moore led an improved Cowboy ground game with 103 yards. He scored the Cowboys' two offensive touchdowns. It was the first 100-yard game by a Cowboy back since Jared Wood on Oct. 21, 2001 at Sul Ross State.

Hardin-Simmons will host Howard Payne, Saturday at Shelton Stadium.