LINCOLN, Neb. – The Mayville State football team picked up a 20-13 overtime win on the road Saturday afternoon, defeating Nebraska Wesleyan at Abel Stadium to move to 2-1 on the season.

The Comets leaned on their powerful rushing attack all afternoon, piling up 226 yards on the ground while holding the Prairie Wolves to just 54. Despite being out gained through the air, Mayville State found the plays they needed late — none bigger than Jack Simmers' 25-yard touchdown strike to Cameron Spaeth in overtime to seal the win.

Nebraska Wesleyan struck first with a 44-yard field goal in the opening quarter, but Mayville State answered in the second when Matthew Donovan plunged in from a yard out to give the Comets a 7-3 halftime lead.

After the break, Darnell Green extended the advantage with an 8-yard touchdown run. A rare special-teams play cut into the lead, however, as NWU's Julius German scooped up a blocked PAT and sprinted 94 yards the other way for two points, keeping the Wolves in it.

NWU finally drew even in the fourth when quarterback Connor White connected with Jaheim Felder on a 6-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion. But the Comet defense stood tall from there, forcing turnovers and keeping the Wolves from taking control.

In overtime, Mayville State wasted no time. On their first possession, Simmers rolled out and found Spaeth in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. The Comet defense then slammed the door, stopping NWU's drive when Xyler Carlson snagged an interception to secure the victory.

Isaiah Smith led the ground game with 87 yards on seven carries, while Moses Nuahpa added 73 tough yards on 18 attempts. Defensively, Mayville State picked off White twice and held NWU to 2.0 yards per rush.

The Comets finished with 251 total yards compared to 235 for the Prairie Wolves. 

Mayville State heads to Redding, California this upcoming Saturday to open up their Frontier Conference debut against Simpson University. Full schedule details: http://www.msucomets.com