Greencastle, Ind. - The Denison football team stumbled on Saturday afternoon, as the Big Red saw its four-game winning streak snapped in a 62-14 loss at No. 22 DePauw. The Tigers scored the game's final five scores, putting the game away in the fourth quarter as Denison drops to 4-2 overall on the season, and 4-1 in the NCAC.
DePauw set the tone for the game, embarking on a lengthy 11-play, 75-yard series that resulted in an opening-drive touchdown pass. Denison couldn't respond on its first offensive series, but its defense answered by forcing a punt on the Tigers' second drive, keeping the game a 7-0 score. The score remained one touchdown entering the second quarter, partly because the Big Red couldn't establish an offensive rhythm.
The host Tigers fed off their defense's momentum and scored on their first drive of the second quarter, driving 67 yards to extend the lead to two scores. Denison's offensive shortcomings then played into DePauw's hands, as the ensuing series resulted in a three-and-out, and the Tigers blocked
Blake Wilmot's punt, setting up the hosts inside the Big Red five. DePauw would score two plays later, extending the lead to 21-0.
Looking for positive momentum entering the intermission, Denison found a gear late, as
Brian Rager engineered a scoring drive of 76 yards that spanned nine plays. A 17-yard pass to
Grayson Kerscher on the opening play sparked the drive, and after another connection between the quarterback and receiver, Rager hit the senior wideout for a 25-yard score. Denison's defense made a late stand, holding DePauw to a field goal attempt in the final seconds of the half, which would miss short of the crossbar. Denison trailed 21-7 at halftime.
The Big Red looked to feed off of its late half momentum as they came out for the third quarter, but a promising start to their opening series stalled out near midfield. On the punt attempt, DePauw broke through the shield in front of Wilmot for a second time, blocking the kick and returning the loose ball for a touchdown. Trailing 28-7, Denison remained diligent in its passing attack, as a 32-yard catch from
Graham Tonkonogy set up the Big Red. Four plays after the big reception that moved the ball into DePauw territory,
Rob Lucey took a short catch and finished a 24-yard catch-and-run from Rager, hitting the end zone in stride for Denison's second score of the day.
Lucey's first touchdown of the season brought the game to a 28-14 count, but it would be the final time the Big Red hit the end zone, as DePauw put their stamp on the game. DePauw answered Rager's second touchdown pass with a 25-yard passing score of their own, and after forcing another Denison punt, the Tigers raced into the end zone on the first play of the fourth quarter, expanding the lead to four scores. The touchdown was the first of four in the fourth quarter for DePauw, as they forced a fumble on Denison's next offensive possession, scoring quickly to expand the lead to 48-14.
The Tigers would score on runs of 32 and 60 yards before the game's conclusion, ending the scoring in their 62-14 victory over Denison.
Brian Rager passed for 222 yards and two scores in the loss, completing eight of his 19 completions to
Graham Tonkonogy for 89 yards.
Grayson Kerscher finished the game with 76 yards and a touchdown.
Blayton Reid led the Big Red in rushing with 20 yards in limited touches. Defensively,
Marcus Cooper-Leary made a team-high seven tackles, tying
Colton Morrow's efforts on the afternoon.
Ben Perin recorded a sack in the loss for Denison.
Up Next: Denison returns home next Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff against Kenyon College.
