Mitchell, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan football dropped a tough home matchup against No. 3 Morningside 27-3. Despite the score, the Tigers dominated the time of possession 36:00 to the Mustangs 24:00. Morningside only ran 18 total plays in the second half and only put seven points on the board, compared to the Tigers 41 plays in the second half but not able to put any points on the board. DWU went 0-6 on fourth down and moved the ball extremely well all game against the Mustang defense but couldn’t come up with that play on third and fourth down to capitalize. The Tigers drop to 5-2 (4-2 GPAC) while the Mustangs stay unbeaten at 7-0 (6-0 GPAC).
Game Notes
- Jamin Arend rushed for 131 yards and moved into 2nd all-time in career rushing in DWU history.
- Austin Lee moved into 9th all-time in career passing yards with 155 yards.
- Jaiden Walton had a game and season-high eight total tackles to go with 0.5 TFL.
- Hunter Cordell recorded his first interception of the season and second of his career.
- Ethan Engen recorded his team and career-high fifth sack of the season.
Recap
The scoreboard did not tell the full story in this one as the Tigers played right with the Mustangs from start to finish. Despite the score the Mustangs barely edged out the Tigers in total yards with 327 compared to DWU 305 yards. Dakota Wesleyan had five trips to the red zone and only was able to capitalize on one trip with the 33-yard field goal. Jamin Arend had another big-time performance with 131 yards on the ground and 31 through the air for 162 total yards of offense. This is the first 100-yard individual rusher the Mustangs have given up since 10/31/2020 against Dordt.
Both teams opened the contest with punts on their first respective drives. The Mustangs got great field position off the short punt and only needed 38 yards on three plays to find the endzone and take an early 7-0 lead. The Tigers next drive was over before it started with a fumbled snap that rolled all the way back to the three-yard line for a loss of 23 yards and eventually forcing a DWU punt two plays later. With outstanding field position again at the DWU 25, the Mustangs were looking poised to go up two scores right before the first quarter break. Hunter Cordell had other plans when he stepped in front of a comeback route and returned it to midfield to give the ball back to Dakota Wesleyan.
DWU during the drive picked up a trio of first downs and had the ball down in Mustang territory. Facing a third and twelve, Austin Lee was intercepted by Lonell Boyd Jr. who jumped in front of a post route right at the goal line and returned it 35 yards. MU took advantage of the turnover putting six points on the board, taking a 13-0 lead halfway through the second quarter after a missed extra point attempt. DWU on their ensuing drive went three and out to give the ball back to the Mustangs who found the endzone again to grab a 20-0 lead with 7:15 left in the first half.
Dakota Wesleyan finally got on the board on their ensuing drive but had to settle for a 33-yard Jaxon Patrick field goal. The Tigers moved the ball with ease leaning heavy on Arend. Arend racked up 50 of the Tigers 61 yards during the drive. Both teams stayed off the scoreboard to close out the first half with a 20-3 Mustang advantage. Out of the half the Tigers were on the prowl again, moving the ball with ease against the tough Mustang defense. After four first downs picked up the Tigers faced a fourth and three at the MU 18. Lee dropped back but couldn’t find an open receiver and was taken down for a sack and turnover on downs.
Again, Morningside capitalized on the turnover, needing only six plays to go 80 yards for the score and grab a 27-3 lead. DWU defense the remainder of the game kept the Mustangs off the scoreboard and never really let them even threaten. During the second half the Mustangs only attempted one pass and just had the 18 plays on offense with the single touchdown. Dakota Wesleyan continued to move the ball well but just couldn’t capitalize in the red zone, finishing the day 1-5 in the red zone with just the lone field goal. After a scoreless fourth quarter, the Mustangs held on with their 27-3 victory to stay perfect on the 2023 season.
Head-to-Head (Morningside)
- Dakota Wesleyan falls to 6-32-1 all-time against Morningside.
- The Tigers dropped last season matchup 70-14 against the Broncos.
Up Next
- Dakota Wesleyan football hits the road for a road matchup against the Chargers of Briar Cliff Saturday, October 21 with kickoff set for 1 p.m.