EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — Turnovers spelled down for the Minnesota State University Moorhead football team as the Dragons fell to Missouri S&T, 51-16 in the Mineral Water Bowl Saturday in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

MSUM finished the year at 8-4 — its most wins in 27 years — while Missouri S&T, which was receiving votes in the final AFCA D2 Coaches Poll, improved to 10-2.

Playing in its first postseason game since 1994, MSUM led early before the Miners got rolling. MSUM committed seven turnovers in the game — three interceptions and four fumbles — which led to 28 Missouri S&T points.

"Today wasn't our day but the season was a special season and a big step forward for our program and our university," MSUM head coach Steve Laqua said. "Our day will come. We'll keep the faith and stay the course."

Junior quarterback Bryce Meehl was 13-of-24 passing for 191 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Sophomore receiver Grady Bresnahan had five catches for 83 yards and a score while sophomore receiver Jake Richter had four catches for 61 yards. Senior receiver Evan Moore had a touchdown reception.

Junior running back Herman Gray had 38 rushing yards on seven carries to lead the ground game while sophomore fullback Devin Homer had 37 yards on eight carries.

Senior linebacker Michael Strand had 13 tackles for MSUM, including 2.5 for loss and a half-sack, while sophomore linebacker Matt Schoh had eight tackles.

MSUM led 6-0 after Meehl connected with Bresnahan for a 62-yard touchdown in the first quarter.  Missouri S and T scored the next 21 to make it 21-6. Senior Joe Tjosvold connected on a field goal in the final minutes of the half to make it 21-9.

The Miners scored 27 points in the third quarter to pull away. The Dragons added a second score late with Meehl hitting senior Evan Moore from 13 yards out to make it 51-16.

Meehl was playing his final game as a Dragon as he will graduate in May 2019. MSUM will also say goodbye to seniors Michael Strand, Aaron Doan, Casey Paskey, Andrew Erickson, Tyler Lazarz, Jerry Raye, Jeff Stith, Evan Moore, Joe Tjosvold, Grant Reuer and Money Swafford.  

Steve d'Eustachio Stat of the Game: Today marked the seventh game that the Dragons played in December. The previous six times were all in the NAIA playoffs from 1981-1991.