Box Score
Photo Gallery

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Cardinal football team earned a hard-fought victory Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium, coming from behind to defeat Muskingum University, 28-21, as part of Hall of Fame weekend.

Otterbein University, improving to 4-2 on the season and 4-1 within Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play, emerged victorious after scoring 18-straight points to end the game. The team will host Baldwin Wallace University next Saturday at 1 p.m. in a crucial matchup.

The Cardinals struck first with a four-yard touchdown pass from Cole Benner to fellow wide receiver Julian Lowe out of the wildcat formation, capping the only scoring play of the first quarter.

Otterbein's defense captured momentum with a goal-line stand in the early minutes of the second period, but the Muskies stole it right back by forcing a safety on the ensuing snap. Muskingum (0-6, 0-5 OAC) controlled the remainder of the second quarter, getting a pair of touchdown passes and eventually taking a 15-10 lead into halftime.

Muskingum added to its lead midway through the third quarter, going 51 yards in just six plays that was finished off by a four-yard touchdown run from Melvin Smith. The Muskies missed their second-straight two-point conversion attempt afterwards.

Otterbein's defense would ultimately help turn the tide, forcing a turnover on four-straight possessions to give itself new life. Safety Jordan Bonifas began the surge with an interception, allowing Green to connect with Lowe for an 11-yard touchdown a few plays later. Green then hit Speedy Hammond for a two-point conversion, bringing the deficit to just 21-18.

Safety Steven Carpenter helped force a fumble on Muskingum's next offensive series, which was recovered by linebacker Drew Ervin and led to a first down for Otterbein deep in Muskie territory. The Cards would face fourth-and-inches on the Muskingum three-yard line, deciding to settle for a chip-shot field goal from freshman Abass Ceesay and tie the game.

Ervin picked off Muskingum quarterback Cody Williams three plays into the next series, setting up Lowe's third touchdown catch of the game, this time from 16 yards out, in the back corner of the end zone. Lowe finished the game with 11 grabs for 92 yards as he continues to lead the OAC in catches, yards and receiving scores.

Muskingum moved into Cardinal territory on its next possession, only to see Otterbein cornerback Jordan Shell strip the ball carrier to force a fumble, which was picked up and returned 45 yards by Bonifas. Otterbein unfortunately had a field goal blocked, but still hung on down the stretch to secure the win.

Green finished 21 of 35 for 201 yards to go along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Senior Cole Benner, four catches for 47 yards, and sophomore Logan Stepp, three grabs for 45 yards, also contributed to the air attack. Senior Speedy Hammond scampered 10 times for 39 yards on the ground.

Ervin, the OAC's leading tackler, tied for a game-best 14 stops in addition to his fumble recovery and interception. Bonifas added 10 stops while Shell and Carpenter each had nine.

Muskingum linebacker Chaney Fulton, second behind Ervin in OAC tacklers per game, matched his counterpart with 14 stops for the visitors. Smith led the Muskie offense by carrying 20 times for 122 yards and the short touchdown.

Otterbein was outgained 330-286, including a 207-63 disparity in rushing, but helped offset the difference by forcing the four turnovers.

The Cards will now turn their attention to Baldwin Wallace next Saturday and look for a fourth-straight victory over the Yellow Jackets. Otterbein won 20-9 last year in Berea.