After two season-opening games decided by last-minute field-goal attempts, the Cal Poly football team put itself in a less suspenseful finish Saturday.
The Mustangs, who topped San Diego State 30-28 Aug. 30 before falling 29-27 Sept. 6 to Montana, sprinted to a 28-7 lead at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La. on their way to a 52-18 win before 8,284 at Turpin Stadium.
Cal Poly senior running back James Noble rushed for a game-high 118 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, leading the way for the Mustangs’ 246-138 rushing advantage.
Four Mustangs rushed for scores, and as a whole, Cal Poly – which entered the game ranked 11th in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) coaches poll – outgained the Demons (2-2) by an overall margin of 470-351.
Mustangs senior quarterback Jonathan Dally completed 11 of 17 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns.
Dally, yet to be intercepted this season, connected nine times with senior wide receiver Ramses Barden, who finished with 176 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Mustangs collected six sacks and held Demons junior quarterback John Hundley to 13-of-30 passing.
The Mustangs will now have to take advantage of an unusual scheduling predicament. Due to McNeese State canceling the teams’ week-three meeting because of concerns over Hurricane Ike, Cal Poly will have its second of three bye weeks this week, before hosting South Dakota at 6:05 p.m. Oct. 4.