TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Northeastern State fell at home Saturday to Fort Hays State, 34-7.

The RiverHawks (1-3 and 1-3 MIAA) managed 207 yards total offense on the day as its offense struggled for the first time this season.

After a scoreless first quarter, FHSU (3-1 and 3-1 MIAA) scored 14 points in just :47 to take the lead for good. NSU quarterback Dimonic McKinzy, who had not thrown an interception in his first three starts, was picked off at the RiverHawks' 42 yard line. Malik Thomas scored from a yard out five plays later for a 7-0 Tiger advantage.

On NSU's next possession, DeAndre James stepped in front of a McKinzy pass and returned the interception 32 yards to paydirt for a 14-0 lead. Fort Hays State kicker, Brandon Brown's 32-yard field goal as time expired in the half put FHSU up 17-0 at the break.

Northeastern State countered to open the second half when Rashawn Eubanks caught his second touchdown in as many games. The Spiro product hauled in a 38-yard rainbow to cut the deficit to 17-7. On the second half kickoff, Eubanks took the kick six-yards deep in his end zone and scored what appeared to be a touchdown. However, NSU was flagged for holding on the return and set up shop at its own 18 instead.

After Shaquille Cooper scored on a 27-yard jaunt midway through the third stanza for a 24-7 FHSU lead, NSU put together a drive from its 46 after T'Nheous Smith recovered a Tigers' fumble. The drive stalled at the FHSU 21, but Eddie Garcia's 38-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Doyin Jibowu and Raheeme Thomas picked up the ball in stride and raced 65 yards for a score. 

Brown's 17-yard field goal with 3:10 to play closed out the scoring.

NSU's defense was stellar in holding Cooper well below his average on the season. Cooper led all rushers with 89 yards on 12 carries.

McKinzie was 11-of-28 with three interceptions and one TD for 121 yards for NSU. Deion Tidwell came off the bench to lead the RiverHawks in rushing with 12 carries for 37 yards. Eubanks had three catches for 53 yards, while teammate Matthew Butler had three receptions for 31. Gary McKnight was limited to just one reception.

Northeastern State will return to the road next week when it plays at Missouri Western State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.