The WTAMU Buffalo football team closed out the season by traveling to Topeka, Kansas to take on the No. 23 Central Missouri Mules in the Lower Inc. Kanza Bowl. WT grabbed its second Kanza Bowl trophy in three years with a 26-7 win.

The Buffs started slowly after having a two-week layoff. As sophomore quarterback Dustin Vaughn threw an interception on the fourth play of the game, the WT defense was able to hold UCM to a three-and-out. Junior Khiry Robinson got the Buffs the first points of the game with a four yard run to put WT up 7-0 with 9:27 remaining in the first. Robinson carried the ball 24 times for 163 yards and the one touchdown on the afternoon.

“The offensive line made lanes for me to run through,” Robinson said.The Mules quickly answered when Taylor LaVance ran it in from a yard out to tie the game at seven with 5:47 left in the first. The Buffs were able to regain the lead when Vaughn connected with senior Brittan Golden for a 44 yard touchdown. WT took a 13-7 lead after UCM blocked the point after try. With 33 seconds left in the second, an eight-yard run by senior Tommy Hampton gave the Buffs a 20-7 lead heading into the locker room.

Both defenses dominated in the second half. WT kicked a 21 yard field goal for the only points in the third quarter and a 26 yarder in the fourth for the only six points of the half.

Vaughn finished the day 23 of 42 passing for 347 yards with one touchdown and two picks. Sophomore Lance Ratliff led the receivers with six receptions for 116 yards, and Golden had six catches for 101 yards and a score.

Robinson was named the MVP of the Kanza Bowl after his 163yard performance.

“It means a lot, it’s like making an A in a class you didn’t think you would be able to pass at first,” said Robinson.