The Misericordia University football team dropped a tough 31-20 loss at FDU-Florham, Saturday.

The Cougars led throughout much of the contest, but the Devils rallied for a pair of fourth-quarter scores to win their MAC opener.

Michael Gawlik ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns and David Cromwell added 105 yards and a score.

Tavion Rogers led the Cougars with eight tackles while Mason Geary, Andrew Lee and Eric Glass added seven stops each.

Gawlik capped MU's opening drive with a 38-yard touchdown scamper to give the Cougars and early 6-0 lead.

Carlos Artson returned the opening kick-off 21 yards and had a 13-yard reception from Dallas Engel for a first down at the MU 44.

Engel picked up 10 yards for a first down in FD-Florham territory.  Gawlik gained four yards on first down and went 38 yards for the score to MU ahead less than three minutes into the game.

The Devils answered on their opening possession to take a 7-6 lead and the Cougars responded on their next drive.

MU responded on its next series.  Gawlik broke free for 46 yards to set up first-and-goal at the one.

Cromwell went in from there and added the two-point conversion to give the Cougars a 14-7 lead with 5:47 to play in the first quarter.

FDU-Florham scored the tying touchdown just before halftime and went in front, 17-14, with a field goal midway through the third quarter.

The Cougars threatened early in the second quarter when Cromwell raced 74 yards to the Devils one-yard line, but the Devils picked off a pass in the end zone on third down and drove to the go-ahead field goal.

Gawlik put the Cougars back in front, 20-17, with an 18-yard TD run late in the third quarter.

Artson's 21-yard return set the Cougars up at their own 30.  Gawlik gained 27 yards on first down and the Cougars eventually faced fourth-and-two from the Devils 35. 

Cromwell picked up 17 yards on first down and Gawlik scored on the next play to put MU ahead with 1:02 left in the third quarter.

FDU-Florham went ahead for good with a TD early in the fourth quarter and added an insurance score with 3:01 to play.

The Cougars will host Albright, Saturday for Homecoming.