YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Tevin McCaster ran for a career-high 183 yards and punched in the go-ahead touchdown to lead Youngstown State to a 19-7 win over South Dakota State in the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener Saturday night.

McCaster finished with 35 carries, also a career best, as Youngstown State (3-1) handed the Jackrabbits their first loss.

Youngstown State's Kyle Hegedus recovered a fumble in the game's opening drive, and the Penguins marched 94 yards in 16 plays to set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Nathan Mays, who finished 14 of 19 for 113 yards passing with one interception and had another 65 yards rushing.

South Dakota State (3-1) responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive capped with Taryn Christion's pass to Jake Wieneke for a 10-yard touchdown to tie it 7-all.

But the Penguins dug in, taking the lead for good with their next possession when McCaster ran it in from the 1 after 75-yard drive. McCaster accounted for all but 15 of the yards in that drive.

The Jackrabbits were held to just 65 yards rushing and 222 overall while Youngstown State finished with a combined 448.

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