#24 TIGERS OVERPOWER DEFIANCE IN 63-14 WIN

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — The No. 24 ONU Tigers (4-1) secured a decisive 63-14 victory over the visiting Defiance Yellow Jackets (2-4) at Ward Field on Saturday afternoon, highlighted by six passing touchdowns from the Olivet quarterback duo of Christian Dhue-Reid and Jack Miller.

After the opening kickoff, Defiance College's drive was halted by key defensive plays from Aundre Carter and Alexander Florea, resulting in a turnover on downs. The Tigers capitalized on their ensuing opportunity with Dhue-Reid connecting on a 46-yard touchdown pass to Blake Lamb. Defiance's subsequent drive was stifled by Olivet's defense, resulting in a punt. The Tigers extended their lead with a dominant ground game, highlighted by a Keshawn Huguely 34-yard run and a follow-up 9-yard touchdown rush. Another successful PAT by Josiah Johnson put ONU ahead 14-0. The Tigers defense held strong again and forced a three and out on the Yellow Jackets' next possession. Olivet took over at their own 45-yard line and quickly drove deep into Defiance territory.

Olivet opened the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Dhue-Reid to Nakoa Kahana-Travis, immediately extending their lead. On Defiance's ensuing drive, the Tiger defense maintained pressure, with Jalen Perkins forcing a significant loss on second down and eventually forcing the Yellow Jackets to punt. Midway through the quarter, Dhue-Reid found Payton Dennis for a 4-yard touchdown, further expanding the lead. This was followed by a powerful 41-yard rushing touchdown from Huguely on the next Tiger's possession. Olivet's defense remained resilient, forcing a punt after a sack by Jalen Perkins. As the quarter neared its end, Vaisen Viloria intercepted a Defiance pass, leading to a late drive where Jack Miller connected with Keon Green for a 4-yard touchdown as the clock expired. Olivet closed the half firmly in control, leading 42-0.

The third quarter began where the first half left off with the Tigers completing a quick scoring drive. Jack Miller found Blake Lamb down the middle of the field for a 25-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 49-0. The Yellow Jackets took over and moved the ball into ONU territory, but the drive stalled and resulted in a turnover on downs. Olivet capitalized on stellar defense and special teams later in the quarter. Miller connected with Dennis for his second receiving touchdown of the game and further widening the gap. After another defensive stop, ONU special teams contributed with Minuet Lee returning a blocked punt for a touchdown to make the score 63-0 with 1:40 remaining in the third quarter. Olivet special teams stepped up once again with a fumble recovery on the ensuing kickoff. The Tigers took over at the Defiance 30-yard line.

The fourth quarter started with the Tigers continuing possession, but the drive stalled and did not result in points. The Yellow Jackets capitalized on their subsequent possession with a sustained drive, culminating in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Jehlani Warren to Mar'Kel Wade. Defiance further extended their scoring with another touchdown pass from Warren to Wade after a turnover, bringing their tally to 14 points in the quarter. Olivet then took over possession and ran out the clock to secure the 63-14 victory. 

Dhue-Reid completed 9 of 14 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Lamb added four receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Huguely contributed 101 rushing yards on five carries, scoring twice. On defense, John Harman, Kennarius Chandler, and Florea led the way with four tackles apiece, while Jalen Perkins and Michael Washington each contributed a sack.

The Tigers improved to 4-1 overall following their decisive victory. Defiance College fell to 2-4 on the season.

Olivet returns to action next Saturday for a homecoming matchup with Judson (Ill.). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Ward Field.

--ONU—