Game Notes
Coach Doup Radio Show - Week 5

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University football team hits the road looking to get back in the win column Saturday afternoon, traveling to face Muskingum University for an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) matchup in New Concord. Kickoff is scheduled for a 1 p.m.

The Cardinals (1-3, 1-2 OAC), have suffered three one-possession losses by a combined 10 points, most recently falling 42-41 against cross-town rival Capital in a wild affair during Homecoming.

Otterbein appeared to have taken a 41-28 lead against the Crusaders after blocking a punt and recovering it in the end zone with 7:00 remaining, but, after a lengthy discussion by the officials, an illegal-batting penalty went against the Cards and gave Capital a new set of downs. Otterbein ultimately ended up with the narrow loss after fumbling near the red zone in the closing minutes.

"Football, and sports in general, can teach young student-athletes how to handle adversity," head coach Tim Doup said. "We are a couple plays away from being 4-0 right now, but the fact remains that we are not. We are certainly handling some adversity and attempting to refocus."

Otterbein currently ranks third in the OAC for both total offense and total defense, generating 521 yards against Capital and holding the Crusaders to just 90 yards on the ground, the third-straight opponent to rush for less than 100 against the Tan and Cardinal.

Junior quarterback Logan Stepp continues to improve, accounting for 370 yards (235 passing, 135 rushing) and four total touchdowns last week. He ranks amongst the top-5 in the conference for passing TD's (6), rushing TD's (6) and has not thrown an interception.

"Logan came to us in the spring and said he wanted to move to quarterback," Doup explained. "As coaches, we didn't necessarily know what to expect. He won the job outright and is getting better week-to-week, but is still on that learning curve. There are some situations where he may be unsure, but I see his confidence growing and him figuring it out."

First team All-OAC wide receiver Julian Lowe found his form against Capital, catching 12 passes for 85 yards and a pair of scores. He had three touchdowns in last season's 28-21 home win over Muskingum. Sophomore Christian Johnson punched in two scores last time out while fellow backfield mate Isaiah Richmond toted the rock nine times for an impressive 94 yards.

Muskingum (2-2, 1-2 OAC) has dropped 12-straight games against Otterbein, but three of the last-five matchups have been decided within a possession. The Muskies most recently dropped a tough 27-24 contest at Heidelberg in which the Student Princes scored the game-winning touchdown with 34 seconds to play.

"This is the craziest year I have seen in the league," Doup said. "There have been unexpected high-scoring games, unexpected low-scoring games and some unexpected outcomes in general. I can't remember the last time the OAC was this balanced. It's going to be an interesting ride over the remaining six weeks."

Muskingum holds wins over Marietta and Waynesburg this season, while also falling, 34-16, against Capital. The Muskie offense, leading the OAC with a 34:33 time of possession, is directed senior by quarterback Griffin Degener's seven touchdowns, a 65-percent completion rate and almost 200 yards per game passing.

Running back Jordan Scanlon has rushed for two scores, caught another three touchdowns and easily leads the club in all-purpose yardage.

"We are expecting a very hard-nosed, smash-mouth, hitting football team," Doup explained. "They took Heidelberg to the wire and are getting better and better each week when you dissect the film. They are physical, athletic and a much improved group. Al (Logan) is doing a great job."

The Muskie defense is spearheaded by upperclassmen linebackers Mick Fishel and Chaney Fulton, who have combined for 60 stops on the season. Fulton, a 2014 honorable mention All-American, had 14 tackles and an interception last year in Westerville.

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