Oberlin, Ohio – Wabash College closes out its North Coast Athletic Conference road schedule Saturday with a noon matchup against Oberlin College at Austin E. Knowlton Stadium (2,500) in Oberlin, Ohio.
Game Information
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 8 – 12 p.m. ET
Location: Austin E. Knowlton Stadium – Oberlin, Ohio
Capacity: 2,500
Live Video:
Oberlin Sports Network
Live Stats:
https://goyeo.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Opening Notes
Wabash enters week nine at 7–1 overall and 5–1 in the NCAC after a 28–21 comeback win over Wittenberg. The Little Giants have won three straight and remain tied for second in the conference standings heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Series History
Saturday marks the 28th consecutive NCAC meeting between Wabash and Oberlin since 2000. The Little Giants have won 11 straight games in the series, including a 52–0 victory last season at Oberlin. Wabash is 13–1 all-time against the Yeomen in Oberlin.
Last Week's Win
The Little Giants rallied from a 14–0 deficit to defeat Wittenberg 28–21 at Little Giant Stadium. Quarterback
Brand Campbell threw four touchdown passes in the victory over Wittenberg, including three to
Luke Adams, who caught a career-high 10 passes for 67 yards. The Wabash defense sealed the win when
Mike Holsclaw intercepted a pass in the final two minutes, earning NCAC Defensive Athlete of the Week honors.
Campbell completed 25-of-39 passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns—three to Adams and one to
Konner Chase, who caught five passes for 90 yards.
Nick Witte added six receptions for 80 yards as Wabash totaled 299 yards of offense.
Defensively,
Gavin Ruppert and
Brock Robertson led the team with eight tackles each, while
Samuel Ringer added an interception. Holsclaw's late pick preserved the win and extended Wabash's streak over Wittenberg to four straight.
National & Statistical Rankings
Wabash continues to rank among the nation's best in multiple statistical categories as it enters the final two weeks of the regular season.
The Little Giants lead all of NCAA Division III in blocked kicks (9) and blocked punts (5), continuing a season-long trend of dominant special teams play.
Defensively, the Little Giants stand sixth in the nation in fourth-down defense (22.2 percent) and 12th in third-down defense (27.3 percent). Wabash is holding opponents to just 18.4 points and 273.0 total yards per game—both figures ranking among the top three in the North Coast Athletic Conference. Wabash is also 13th nationally in rushing defense, allowing only 64.5 yards per game, and 35th in total defense.
On offense, Wabash averages 420.0 yards per game, ranking 50th in the country and fourth in the conference. The Little Giants are producing 38.6 points per game, 35th nationally..
Campbell ranks among the top Division III quarterbacks in several passing categories. He enters Saturday with a 161.1 passer efficiency rating (42nd nationally) after throwing for 1,879 yards and 18 touchdowns on 61.4 percent completions. His 14.6 yards per completion rank first in the NCAC and 29th nationally, while his 19.0 points responsible per game place him among the top 25 in Division III.
The Wabash kicking game has also been a difference-maker. Senior
Brody Rucker ranks 14th nationally in field goal percentage (.846) and sixth in field goals per game (1.38). He is second in the NCAC in scoring at 8.4 points per game, trailing only DePauw's Robby Ballentine.
As a team, the Little Giants stand in the national top 25 in net punting (37.7 yards) and punt return defense (1.5 yards per return allowed).
Scouting Oberlin
Oberlin (0–8, 0–6 NCAC) returns home after a 52–0 loss to Wittenberg. The Yeomen average 7.5 points and 209.9 yards of offense per game while allowing 44.3 points and 457.5 yards per contest.
Quarterback James Muckle leads the passing attack with 814 yards and five touchdowns, while Zeke Cain and Jack Griffith share the rushing load. Receiver Aiden Carroll tops the team with 25 catches for 281 yards and three scores.
Defensively, Jordan King leads the Yeomen with 56 tackles, and Gabe Stutz has added 43 stops and 5.5 tackles for loss. Oberlin leads the NCAC and ranks 43rd nationally in fewest penalties per game (3.75).
Up Next
Wabash returns home next Saturday, November 15, for the 131st Monon Bell Classic against DePauw University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:07 p.m. Eastern at Little Giant Stadium.
