GRANVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University football team traveled to Denison Saturday evening, looking to get back in the win column after a two game skid. Despite carrying a 17-14 lead into the fourth quarter, the Battling Bishops were unable to hold on, as Denison surged ahead with a 21-point quarter to secure a 35-20 victory.

OWU is now 1-3 on the year. Denison improves to 2-2.

The Red and Black got on the board in less than a minute, opening the game with a three-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 20-yard rushing touchdown from C.J. Jackson. OWU would then halt a Denison drive, as Connor Stephens intercepted a pass from Tyler Green in the endzone, but ultimately fumble later in the drive. The first quarter ended in a 7-0 OWU lead. 

The Bishops continued their defensive pressure on Denison in the second quarter, as Grant Johnson recovered his own strip sack, and got the Bishop offense back on the field. However, the Bishops would come up empty, as the drive ended in a wide field goal attempt. Denison got on the board before halftime, sending the teams into the break knotted at 7-7.

Denison carried their second quarter success into the third, scoring on their opening drive with a 30 yard touchdown pass. The Bishops answered, as Ryan Elliot converted a 37-yard field goal to bring the score to 14-10. Later in the quarter, Mysaun Sanders capped off a seven play drive with a one yard touchdown, regaining the lead heading to the fourth quarter. 

The Big Red responded with their first drive in the fourth, as Jack Williams hauled in a five yard pass to take the lead 21-17. A couple drives later, Ryan would tack on another field goal, bringing the Bishops within one with 10 to play. Denison would then waste the clock and capitalize, taking a 28-20 lead courtesy of a four yard rushing touchdown, and the Bishops had just two minutes to respond. However OWU was unable to do just that, as they turned the ball over on downs at their own 10 yard line. Denison would bolster their lead late, tacking on another touchdown, leaving the final scoreline 35-20. 

THE NUMBERS
C.J. Jackson led the Bishops on offense with 209 total yards, 159 through the air and 50 on the ground. He was 10-for-22 passing with one interception, and one touchdown on the ground.

Reddik Pillarelli led the receiving corps with three receptions for 53 yards. Bryan Hines Jr. was next with 49 yards on one catch, followed by Josh Hurst with 39 yards on four receptions.

Mysaun Sanders led the rushing unit with 99 yards on 16 attempts. Devon Haley also had 32 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Ohio Wesleyan was led by Chris Burns with a season-high nine tackles (five solo). Connor Stephens had a career-high nine tackles (seven solo) with one interception. Grant Johnson made seven tackles (six solo) with one tackle for loss. Abram Beer had six tackles (two solo). John Banks Jr. and Joseph Seney both made five tackles.

UP NEXT
The Bishops are back in action next Saturday as they travel to Wabash. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.