It was a pretty big day in the MIAA Saturday, as all 15 teams took to the field.

The big story, of course, is the game I was at, Central Missouri's 31-21 victory over No. 3 Northwest Missouri (1-1). The Mules (1-1) dominated most of the game, particularly the second quarter, and backup quarterback Colter Smith, starting for injured Mike Peterson, is making a strong case that he should be the starter for UCM. (Box Score)

Smith finished the day 28 of 44 for 301 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. His counterpart in green finished with 335 yards, but frankly, for most of the game, Trevor Adams couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Two second-quarter interceptions turned into 10 points for the Mules, and while one was bobbled by a NW receiver, both were thrown behind their targets.

The Central Missouri defense played great, holding the Bearcat duo of James Franklin and Jordan Simmons to just 80 yards total and a single score between them.

Elsewhere, Emporia State is earning the love I've been showing them, as they took it to Nebraska-Kearney (0-2) 58-35. The Hornets (2-0) started the game with a 3-and-out, then found a way to go up 24-0 by the end of the first quarter. Quarterback Tyler Eckenrode had over 200 yards passing in the first frame, and finished the day 30 of 43 for 367 yards and 4 TDs. He didn't throw any interceptions and wasn't sacked. WR Shjuan Richardon had 15 catches for 204 yards and 3 scores. (Box Score)

No. 1 Pittsburg State (2-0) jumped out early on Central Oklahoma (0-2), totaling 378 yards in the first half, then cruised to a 34-19 victory in front of 10,754 fans at Carnie Smith Stadium in their 2012 home opener. Gorilla running back Briceton Wilson ran the ball 9 times for 108 yards and a score in which he jumped right over a Broncho defender at about the 5 yard line and finished his venture into the end zone (watch the run here). Sophomore quarterback Anthony Abenoja had himself another fine day, compelting 21 of 32 passes for 296 yards, a TD and an INT. WRs John Brown and Andrew Castaneda each went over 100 yards, with 127 and 100, respectively. (Box Score)

No. 7 Missouri Western (2-0) had no problem with GLVC member William Jewell (0-2), cruising to a 56-0 victory in St. Joseph. RB Michael Hill finishAed the day with 210 yards on just 14 carries with 2 TDs. Quarterback Travis Partridge was 10 of 15 for 129 yards, 2 TDs and an INT. Defensive end David Bass became the Griffons' all-time leading sack-master with his second sack of the season. (Box Score)

No. 21 Washburn (2-0) used a balanced rushing attack and four touchdown passes from QB Mitch Buhler to knock off Fort Hays State (0-2) 45-20. The 'Bods had four RBs carry the ball more than 7 times, and all four went for over 60 yards. Buhler finished the day 15 of 20 for 252 yards and the 4 scores. (Box Score)

It took a minute for Lindenwood (2-0) to get going, and then they almost let SBU (0-2) sneak back into it, but the Lions moved to 2-0 with a 35-14 win. Lindenwood jumped up 21-0 in the second quarter, then gave up two straight scores for a 21-14 halftime lead. Ben Gomez and Denodu O'Bryant had two scores each through the air and on the ground, respectively. (Box Score)

It didn't take long for Truman State to get going. The Bulldogs (2-0) scored touchdowns on five of their first six drives en route to their 42-14 victory over Lincoln (0-2). Running back Will Mosquera scored 3 touchdowns, picking up 69 yards on 16 carries. (Box Score)

Missouri Southern (2-0) threw the ball just seven times (completing just 3 passes) but ran their way to a 27-21 victory over Northeastern State (0-2). Kellen Cox, who spent the last three years catching passes and returning punts, saw a lot of the action at quarterback, but did most of his damage on the ground, with 108 yards on 8 carries, including a 70-yard touchdown. (Box Score)

ATTENDANCE: UCO @ PSU 10754; NWMSU @ UCM 10372; NSU @ MSSU 5287; WU @ FHSU 5054; WJ @ MWSU 4811; ESU @ UNK 4021; LU @ TSU 3989; SBU @ LWOOD 2805

What did you think about this week's action? What takeaways do you have after two weeks of play in MIAA football? Let's talk about it! Leave a comment below, drop me a note on Twitter @miAARONd2, hit me up on Facebook.com/apheintz or get at my inbox at [email protected].