DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University football team welcomed No. 14/15 DePauw on Saturday, aiming to build momentum after a dominant win over Kenyon. The top-ranked Tigers would ultimately have their way in the contest, as they built a 20-3 lead at halftime en route to a 40-10 victory over the Bishops. 

OWU drops to 2-6 on the year, 1-5 in NCAC play. DePauw improves to 7–1 overall and 5–1 in conference play, with their only loss coming to No. 12 John Carroll. 

The Battling Bishops came out strong, forcing DePauw into a three-and-out on their opening drive and marching down the field themselves, ultimately settling for a 22-yard field goal by Ryan Elliot. The Tigers quickly responded however, as a seven-minute drive was capped off by a one-yard rushing touchdown. DePauw attempted a two-point conversion, but failed, making the score 6-3.

In the second quarter, DePauw struck again, as Scott Ballentine connected with Lleyton Lukowski for a 21-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 10 with 11 minutes to play. Following another stalled drive by the Bishops, DePauw added seven more, as Caden Whitehead punched it in from the two-yard line. The Red and Black found themselves in a 17-point deficit at the break. 

After the intermission, the Tigers intercepted a pass deep in OWU territory, which led to a one-play, 15-yard touchdown drive to push their lead further. DePauw quarterback Scott Ballentine continued to shine later in the quarter, as he connected with Lukowski once more, making the score 33-3. 

In the final period of play, Bishop quarterback C.J. Jackson found Josh Hurst for a 15-yard touchdown strike, bringing the score to 33-10. Just four minutes later, the Tigers added to their lead, as Ballentine tossed his fourth touchdown of the game from 12 yards out. The Bishops were unable to respond, leaving the final scoreline 40-10.

THE NUMBERS
Ohio Wesleyan had 471 total yards, 373 through the air and 98 on the ground. DePauw finished with 450 total yards, 331 passing and 119 rushing.

C.J. Jackson led the OWU offense with 444 all purpose yards. He was 28-for-46 passing for a total of 373 yards, with 71 yards on the ground – both season highs for Jackson – and one touchdown.

Reddik Pillarelli led the receiving corps with 11 catches for 158 yards. Austin Koslow made seven catches for 113 yards, both career-highs for the sophomore standout. Josh Hurst hauled in five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Quin Schroeder caught three passes for 27 yards. 

Jake Smothers and Chris Burns led the Bishop defense with nine tackles (five solo) each. Joseph Seney made eight tackles (three solo), and Abram Beer recorded five tackles (two solo).

The Red and Black totaled two tackles for loss led by Beer with one. Connor Asbury and Jacob Slyh split the other.

UP NEXT
The Bishops travel to No. 12 John Carroll next Saturday, November 8th. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m.