On Saturday afternoon, the Owls hosted Wittenberg University, beginning NCAC conference play. While the Owls’ big plays on offense kept them in the game for most of the first half, they were unable to resist Wittenberg’s balanced offensive attack, ultimately losing by a score of 51-28 to bring their record to 1-2. 

After allowing the Tigers to score on their first drive, the Owls answered back quickly, capping off their second drive of the game with a 9-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Ryan O’Leary ’23. However, the Owls struggled to stop Wittenberg’s offense as they marched down the field for two more rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown in the first half. Down 28-7 late in the first half, the Owls surprised Wittenberg with a trick play. A 45-yard pass from wide receiver Finn Murray ’23 to wide receiver Zachary Kim ’25 set O’Leary up for a touchdown pass to Murray, bringing the game back to within two scores. Despite Kenyon’s attempts to steal momentum, the Tigers tacked on a field goal as the first half expired to take a 31-14 lead into the locker room.

After receiving the ball to start the third quarter, Wittenberg scored to open the half, capping off the drive with a 19-yard completion. A spectacular 75-yard touchdown run from Jordon Benjamin ’26 was not enough, as Wittenberg pulled away in the third quarter, taking a 48-21 lead into the final frame. While Kenyon had an impressive offensive performance, Wittenberg ultimately gained over 600 yards of total offense compared to Kenyon’s 308, leaving the game’s result beyond doubt in the waning minutes.

Head Coach Ian Good found positives in the team’s performance but sees room for improvement moving forward. “We fought the entire game and never gave up. Our offense continued to show they are explosive and can put up points. Our kickoff team was much improved from just a week ago,” he wrote in an email to the Collegian. “We have to continue to work on our consistency in all three phases of the game moving forward.”

The Owls will look to bounce back this homecoming weekend on Saturday against Ohio Wesleyan University.