GAME NOTES

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein football team gets itself right back on the field this coming Saturday, opening Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play by hosting Muskingum University inside Memorial Stadium. Starting time is slated for 1:30 p.m.

The Cardinals (1-0) were victorious last week at nearby Ohio Wesleyan, pulling away in the second half to win 36-15 and snap a four-game skid in season openers. Otterbein finished with a 567-299 edge in total offense and 31-11 edge in first downs.

"We certainly didn't play to our potential in the opening half," head coach Tim Doup said. "It was probably some first game jitters that caused us not to be in a good flow and struggle to finish drives. I think we channeled that excitement better in the second half and took it to the next level. We have to build off that."

For the first time in a long while, Otterbein will not have an early-season bye and instead host the only OAC game of the weekend. As a result, the Cards and Muskies will instead take their bye week midway through the season.

"The general thought is that you always get better between your first and second game," Doup referenced. "This is new, but we get to head right back out there and stay focused on what we want to work towards. I like this better for the long run from both a mental and physical standpoint. We are still chomping at the bit to play again."

Senior quarterback Logan Stepp picked right back up in the opener, completing 25 of 33 passes for a career-high 402 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 62 yards and another two scores en route to OAC 'Offensive Player of the Week' honors. The 402 yards through the air fell 25 shy of the program's single-game record.

The offensive weapons were on full display at Ohio Wesleyan, including senior wideout Julian Lowe hauling in game-highs of nine catches and 147 yards. However, it was the defense that turned heads by forcing five turnovers and making a variety of athletic plays. The Cards picked off four passes, two courtesy of safety Fred Hardgrove, after making just six interceptions all of last season.

"The defense is more athletic and guys have the ability to rebound when they find themselves out of position," Doup explained. "We obviously want them in position the first time, but we have players that can make natural plays in the backend and create turnovers. That can change momentum and get us off the field."

Muskingum was also triumphant in week one, posting a 19-0 shutout against Waynesburg University on its home field. The Muskies held Waynesburg to just 114 yards of offense in a game where the two sides combined to go just 4 of 32 on third down.

Otterbein has defeated Muskingum 13-straight times but it has rarely been an easy walk. Each of the past six matchups have been decided by 13 points or less, with three of those being one-possession battles. Cardinal running back Isaiah Richmond busted a 61-yard score in the closing minutes last year to solidify a 30-17 road win.

"The physicality will be the same as always," Doup said of facing Muskingum. "Their defensive line is big, moves well and spearheads an aggressive unit. They won't do a lot fancy, but they are very good at what they do and absolutely know who they are. They are coming off a big win and I expect a slugfest once again."

Muskie senior Chris Weck is the reigning OAC 'Defensive Player of the Week' after totaling nine tackles (three for loss), two sacks, one interception and one pass breakup. Collectively, the Muskingum defense had a whopping 15 tackles for loss as a group.

Running back Bernard Johnson toted 20 times for 125 yards and a TD in the opener while receiver Darius Hayes-Carruth had four catches for 61 yards. The Muskies elected to go with freshman quarterback Brody Hahn, who completed 10 of 24 passes for 120 yards and also rushed 14 times for another 48.

Fans can follow Saturday's action through live video, live audio (WOBN 97.5) and live stats. Access the full schedule page HERE for all links.