NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Braylon Balandra's 40-yard field goal in double overtime lifted the Otterbein University football team to a 31-28 road win at Muskingum University. After both teams scored in the first overtime, the Cardinal defense held firm, setting up the Balandra game-winner.
Duke Corley threw for 140 yards and a touchdown, adding 81 yards and a score with his legs. Matt Griffin also contributed 78 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown. Defensively, the Cardinals were led by Cayden Lassiter's nine solo tackles. Eli Helton added nine tackles, including three for loss, a sack and a pick, as Carter Sleet and Troy Montgomery each finished with eight.
Otterbein wasted no time getting on the board, as Lassiter returned the opening kickoff 64 yards to the Muskingum 24. On a 4th and 2 at the Muskingum 16, Corley punched his way through the Muskie defense to pick up a first down and extend the drive. Two plays later, the sophomore burst through the right side, going untouched for a 14-yard score.
Muskingum answered on the ensuing possession but the Cards immediately responded to regain a 14-7 lead.
Tyrese Buchanan broke through the Muskingum defense straight up the gut for an 11-yard touchdown. Balandra's second PAT of the day saw the visitors holding a 14-7 edge after one quarter. On their first drive of the second quarter, the Cardinals extended its lead to 21-7. Corley converted a big third and five to
Daniel Shaffer to put Otterbein at the Muskie 3-yard line. One play later, Corley handed the ball off to Griffin who punched his way into the end zone. Muskingum added one more touchdown before the break with Otterbein leading 21-14 at the half.
The Muskies tied the game at 21-21 in the third quarter before a scoreless fourth quarter set up overtime. On Muskingum's first drive of the fourth, the hosts were poised to claim the lead. With the ball on the Cardinal 8-yard line, Helton picked off Muskingum's Cavan Cooper at the goal line, preventing the hosts to take the lead. Otterbein was able to get in field goal range, but the kick was no good, keeping the score tied at 21 with 2:20 to play. Otterbein forced a Muskingum stop and had a chance to win on a field goal at the horn, but the 40-yard attempt was narrowly short to set up overtime.
The Cardinals had the ball first in the first overtime and scored on a 25-yard pass to Drew Vilk. Muskingum answered by converting a 4th and 6 with a TD, setting up the second extra period. In the second overtime, the Cardinals forced Muskingum into a turnover on downs with a chance to win on their possession. On 4th and 8, Balandra earned redemption by nailing a 40-yard field goal through the uprights to leave New Concord with the conference win.
Next Saturday, Otterbein will wrap up the 2026 season with a home game against (RV) Mount Union. Kickoff against the Purple Raiders will take place at 12:45 p.m.
