Wheaton, IL – Millikin University Football was in action on Saturday, taking on the Thunder of Wheaton College to open CCIW play. The Big Blue were overwhelmed by the second ranked team in the country, with the final score at 82-10 in favor of the opposition.
The Big Blue were able to stop the Thunder's opening drive with an interception by
Tramell Windham. Millikin's own drive stalled, and the Thunder got on the scoreboard. A number of punts and turnovers ensued, with the score 7-0 in favor of Wheaton after one quarter.
Opening the second quarter, the Thunder struck again to double their lead to 14-0. The Big Blue would then drive 51 yards in eight plays, culminating in a
Giovanni Natale field goal from 26 yards out to make it 14-3. Wheaton went on to capitalize on a pair of Big Blue turnovers, piling on another 20 points to lead 34-3 a halftime.
Out of the halftime break, the Big Blue offense continued to struggle against a stalwart Thunder defense, forced to punt on their first three offensive drives of the half. Meanwhile, the Wheaton offense continued to fire on all cylinders, as the hosts scored another three touchdowns while holding the visitors off the board to lead 54-3 at the end of three quarters. In the fourth quarter, Millikin found the endzone when
Kenneth Atkins II capped a 10-play, 65 yard drive with a rushing score from one yard out. The final score rested at 82-10 Wheaton.
Carson Topping completed three of six passing attempts for 53 yards to lead Millikin's passing attack.
AJ Lee led Big Blue rushers with 43 yards on eight carries.
Justin White caught two passes for a team-high 30 yards. Defensively, Tramell Windha, led Big Blue tacklers with seven solo tackles in the game, along with an interception.
"I appreciate all of our fans traveling to Wheaton to support our program." Said Head Football Coach
Billy Riebock. "We will continue to assess all aspects of our program as we strive to close the gap between ourselves and the teams in the national championship conversation. Days like these could make some quiver and doubt, while others will respond accordingly, knowing that this is another step on our journey. I look forward to this young team's response as we move towards North Park next week."
The Big Blue drop to 1-2 on the year, and look forward to September 26
th, when Millikin welcomes North Park University to Frank M. Lindsay Field for Community Day. Kickoff is set for 6 PM.
