O’Brien throws for 2 TDs in his first start as South Dakota State beats Missouri State 24-17

South Dakota State tops Missouri State 24-17

SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Redshirt freshman quarterback Thomas O’Brien, starting in his first game, threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns to lead South Dakota State to a 24-17 win over Missouri State on Saturday.

South Dakota State (4-1, 3-0 Missouri Valley Conference) led Missouri State (3-3, 1-2) 17-10 at halftime and took a third-quarter Missouri State turnover 80 yards, ending with a touchdown pass to Glen Fox.

The Bears’ attempt to tie with 38 seconds left ended in an interception.

Missouri State opened the game with a 49-yard field goal by Matt Hottelman but South Dakota State scored twice over a span of 2:18 to go ahead 14-3. Kyle Minett scored on a 3-yard run and O’Brien connected on a 23-yard pass to Saunders Montague.

Missouri State scored on a 6-yard run by Miguel Warren before South Dakota State closed the half with an 18-yard field goal by Peter Reifenrath.