Ga. Southern loses on road

BROOKINGS, S.D. --- Ryan Crawford threw two touchdowns, including one for 62 yards Saturday, as South Dakota State won its season opener against Georgia Southern 44-6.

South Dakota State (1-0) held Georgia Southern (1-1) to two field goals and its defense recorded nine sacks and forced four turnovers.

Crawford's touchdown throws came close together, a little less than three minutes apart, in the third quarter. Both found Mike Steffen.

South Dakota State's Kyle Minett also scored two touchdowns and rushed for 128 yards.

Both field goals by Georgia Southern came from Adrian Mora, the longest hitting from 46 yards in the first quarter. Kyle Harris, of South Dakota State, had three field goals.

It was South Dakota State's first win in a season opener since 2005.

MCNEESE STATE 40, APPALACHIAN STATE 35

In Boone, N.C., Josh Lewis connected on an 18-yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining as McNeese State defeated Appalachian State.

The kick capped a 79-yard, 10-play drive, following a game-tying score by Appalachian State (0-2).

After receiving the kickoff, the Mountaineers made several laterals before Travaris Cadet was tackled in the end zone by Kentrel Butler for a safety to seal the win for McNeese State (2-0).

ELON 41, PRESBYTERIAN 7

In Clinton, S.C., Scott Riddle was 25 for 36 with 346 passing yards, including four touchdowns in Elon's victory over Presbyterian.

The Phoenix (2-1) defeated Presbyterian (1-2) for the sixth consecutive time and has outscored the Blue Hose 107-19 during their past two meetings.

FURMAN 38,

CHATTANOOGA 20

In Chattanooga, Tenn., Tersoo Uhaa rushed for two touchdowns to lead Furman to a win against Chattanooga in the Southern Conference opener for both teams.

Uhaa rushed for 87 yards on 17 carries, and Jordan Sorrells was 11 of 19 passing for 139 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Paladins (2-0, 1-0).

GARDNER-WEBB 27,

WESTERN CAROLINA 20

In Cullowhee, N.C., Stan Doolittle had two touchdowns as Gardner-Webb defeated Western Carolina.

Samford 27, Jacksonville 0

In Birmmingham, Ala., Dustin Taliaferro threw two touchdowns to lead Samford to a win over Jacksonville.