NEW CONCORD, Ohio – The Capital University football team was eying a chance to spoil the grand opening night for Muskingum's new stadium and athletic facility on Saturday night with a primetime matchup against the Fighting Muskies. However, the Comets struggled to move the ball downfield on offense while also struggling to stop MU on defense. In the end, the hosts won the night, 37-7.
Capital continues its winless streak to start off the season, now at 0-3 for the new year.
Muskingum moves on to 2-0.
FIRST HALF
The night started out strong for the Comet defense, forcing Muskingum to a three-and-out on the very first drive. On the other end, Capital could not capitalize and were forced into a three-and-out themselves. From there Muskingum got on a roll offensively, scoring a touchdown on their next four drives and ending the half up 28-0.
SECOND HALF
Capital came out of the half strong, driving down to the Muskingum 27 yard line, but turning the ball over on downs. The Comet defense was able to get the ball back quickly on the ensuing drive by forcing the Muskies into a turnover on downs themselves. From there, Capital took it 72 yards to the house to ruin Muskingum's chances of a shutout. It was
Jonathan Williams on the score. He punched the ball in from the three yardline for Capital's first rushing touchdown of the season. Muskingum was quick to respond, scoring 9 unanswered to finish off the game, 37-7.
THE NUMBERS
As a team, Capital mustered just 240 yards of total offense in the game. What was a welcomed sight was the improved running game. Capital eclipsed the 100-yard mark in a game for the first time with 112 yards rushing tonight. Furthermore,
Jonathan Williams' fourth quarter touchdown was the first rushing score of the season for the Comets.
Ben Everson rushed for a team-high 57 yards, while
Drew Engle found some success, picking up 31 yards in his six tries.
Everson was just 13-for-23 in the air for 128 yards and an interception.
Sam Pickett,
Dom Glenn, and
Mike Elmore were the favorite receivers today, each catching three or more passes for 30 or more yards.
Defensively,
Nick Fisanick had a career day, getting in on 15 tackles – 10 of which were solo stops. This marked the third time in a game Fisanick reached 15 tackles.
Louie Hoersten had nine tackles, while
James Curtis,
Antonio Welch and
Griffin McKinney were all in on eight stops. The lone sack of the day went to
Jack Blaisdell for a three-yard loss.
Reigning OAC Special Teams Player of the Week
Tyler Terrell was call upon four times to punt. He booted the ball a total of 162 yards, good for an average of 40.5 yards. On kickoffs, Terrell blasted three of them for 128 yards. He was good on his lone PAT of the day as well.
UP NEXT
Capital will return back to Bernlohr Stadium on Saturday, September 24th as Wilmington College will be the guest of honor. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The game will serve as the Homecoming and Hall of Fame Game.
MORE ON THE HALL OF FAME
In the morning on Saturday, September 24th at 10 a.m.,, five individuals will be inducted into the Capital University Athletics Hall of Fame. Those individuals will then be recognized on the field at halftime of the football game. The 2022 induction class includes Dwight Burgess, Molly Sheils Mosholder, Jessica Starks Holloman, Matt Rutherford, and Doug DiRosario.
MORE ON HOMECOMING
The Capital University community and alumni will come together to celebrate Homecoming all weekend long next week, with Saturday serving as the pinnacle for the weekend. The day will start off with the Hall of Fame breakfast and then feature an alumni and friend tailgate in the S1 parking lot leading up to kickoff at 1:30 p.m. At halftime, the Student and Community Engagement Office will then recognize the 2022 Homecoming Court and crown the king and queen. More alumni and community events will be available all day long as well to compliment the day. The athletics events will culminate with a women's soccer 7 p.m. kickoff as the team plays host to Hope College.
