Box Score Fayette, IA – Despite creating five turnovers on a wet and windy day, the University of Mary failed to convert its opportunities in a 36-7 loss at Upper Iowa University. The Marauders scored first but the Peacocks rattled off the next 36 points in U-Mary's first loss to UIU in five outings.
 
The Marauders (2-2 overall, 2-2 Northern Sun) opened the scoring with an exhilarating 69 yard scoring strike from Craig Bagnell to Jeremy Mayfield. The touchdown pass concluded a 99-yard touchdown drive on the Marauders second possession of the game with 2:07 left in the first quarter.
 
One of three Troy Guptill first half sacks of Upper Iowa (3-1, 3-1) quarterback Cole Jaeschke halted the next Peacocks possession. Following a punt, the Marauders took over at the UIU 35 yard line. Facing second and goal at the Peacocks five yard line, Bagnell was picked off in the end zone by Chayz Holt to thwart the Marauders attempt to double their lead.
 
Set up by the passing of Jaeschke, Chris Smith ran the ball across the goal line from four yards out early in the second quarter to cap a 90 yard scoring drive. UIU failed on its point after attempt and the Marauders maintained a 7-6 lead.
 
The Peacocks took the lead on their next possession, a 59 yard drive capped by a Jaeschke 11 yard touchdown pass to Derek Giesking. A two-point conversion pushed Upper Iowa's advantage to 14-7.
 
Mayfield electrified the Marauders bench on the subsequent kickoff, returning the ball from his end zone 90 yards. After a Vince Ferrante run for three yards, two incomplete passes set up a 24 yard Tyler Ryan field goal attempt that was blocked by the Peacocks, preserving the home squad's advantage entering intermission.
 
Facing a stiff wind and a deluge of rain, the Marauders were swamped by the Peacocks in the third quarter.
 
Presented with the first opportunity after intermission, the Marauders couldn't take advantage of a fumble by the Peacocks and recovered by U-Mary at the visitor's 47-yard line. Unable to move the ball, the Marauders had to punt three plays later.
 
Using the wind to their benefit, the Peacocks scored 22 unanswered points before the Marauders generated a first down in the third quarter. Jaeschke sandwiched two touchdown passes around a scoring run by Smith to seal Upper Iowa's win. The Peacock's compiled 158 yards to 24 in the third stanza.
 
Bagnell completed 21-of-43 passes for 233 yards on the day with a touchdown and two interceptions. He also ran for 21 yards. On his final completion Bagnell passed Marauders Hall of Fame quarterback Chris Schwab for career pass completions. The senior from Polson, MT, has 608 completions in his career.
 
DJ Young caught four passes for 65 yards. Mayfield had three catches for 77 yards. He also had three kick returns for 118 yards.
 
In addition to three sacks, Guptill totaled 12 tackles, including nine solo stops, and also forced a fumble. Grant Singer registered 15 tackles - nine solo – recovered a fumble and made an interception. Craig Jeffery posted a tackle for loss, had an interception and broke up a pass.   
 
Upper Iowa dominated the stat page. The Peacocks had advantages in first downs (31 to 15), yards rushing (256 to 67), yards passing (317 to 242) and total offense (573 to 309).
 
Jaeschke was 21-of-32 for 317 yards and three touchdowns. Smith ran for 187 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries. Giesking caught six passes for 108 yards.
 
The Marauders now prepare for homecoming. U-Mary next hosts Minot State University at 2:30 PM on Saturday, October 5, at the MDU Resources Bowl.
 
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