| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Olivet Nazarene (6-4) | 6 | 19 | 6 | 7 | 38 |
|
Roosevelt (7-3) | 0 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 31 |
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Olivet Nazarene University football team closed out their conference schedule on a high note, taking down the No. 24-ranked Roosevelt Lakers 38-31 in Arlington Heights Saturday afternoon.
Unlike last week, when the Tigers rushed for over 400 yards against Trinity International, the bulk of the ONU offense was developed through the air. Cameron Crouch connected with the explosive duo of Jalen Dunnigan and Brian Jenkins for four passing touchdowns in the first half alone.
Dunnigan broke the scoreless tie in the waning moments of the first quarter, hauling in a 29-yard touchdown to open the scoring. Jenkins scored the next three touchdowns for ONU, scoring from 65, 14, and three yards out.
Roosevelt had the answer for the first two ONU touchdowns, holding a 14-12 lead after the Tigers failed on an extra-point kick and two-point conversion attempt. Two consecutive touchdowns from Jenkins would give ONU a lead that they would hold on to for the remainder of the game.
The Tigers were clinging on to a one-point lead before Arthur Walker scored the lone rushing touchdown for the purple and yellow gold on an eight-yard endzone run. Crouch slung his fifth touchdown of the day on a 15-yard drop off to Evan Leake to put an insurance touchdown on the board for ONU.
Roosevelt found the endzone with four minutes remaining and was looking to score again after snagging an interception. The ONU defense, however, stymied the final Laker drive to secure the top-25 victory for the Tigers.
The Tigers will look to ride this momentum into next Friday's postseason matchup against the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions in the 2022 NCCAA Victory Bowl.
GAME VITALS
Final: Olivet Nazarene 38, No. 24 Roosevelt 31
Records: Olivet Nazarene 6-4 (5-2 MSFA) | No. 24 Roosevelt 7-3 (4-3 MSFA)
Location: Morris Field | Roosevelt University | Arlington Heights, Ill.
QUICK HITS
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The Tigers outgained the Lakers 451 yards to 253.
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Cameron Crouch went 17-for-29 for 280 yards and five touchdowns.
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Brian Jenkins brought down six catches for 107 yards and three scores.
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Vaisen Viloria led the ONU defense with 10 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions.
WHAT'S NEXT?
This win marked the regular-season finale for ONU, who finished with a 5-2 conference record, good for third place in the MSFA Midwest standings. The Tigers will now set their eyes on the 2022 NCCAA Victory Bowl against the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions in Waxahacie, Texas. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CST on Friday, Nov. 18.
--ONU—
*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu
