CRETE, Neb. -- Doane College scored 28 unanswered points to start the second half as the Tigers defeated Nebraska Wesleyan 55-29 in the 100th meeting between the long-time rivals in football that was played Saturday afternoon (Oct. 4) at Al Papik Field in Crete, Neb.

In a game that featured 11 total turnovers and 25 penalties for 261 yards, the two teams traded big plays to start in the first half with 28 first quarter points.  Doane led 21-7 at the end of the first quarter, but NWU came roaring back and made the score 27-23 at halftime setting up what looked to be another classic NWU-Doane matchup.

To start the 2nd half, Doane scored on their first offensive possession on a TD shovel pass to Corey Kalkwarf.  NWU threw an interception on their next possession and Doane needed just two plays to score their next TD to go up 41-23.

Later in the 3rd quarter, Doane running back Kenny Boggs fumbled inside their own 10-yard line giving NWU the ball in the red zone.  A fade pattern to Connor Zumpfe was ruled out of bounds, then Zumpfe caught a pass down to the 1-yard line.  On 4th down, Tyler Francis attempted a QB sneak and appeared to stretch the ball over the goal line, but the ref ruled he did not and instead ruled a fumble recovery.  NWU then held Doane on their offensive and looked to take over at 25-yard line but a leaping penalty was called on the punt block attempt.  That took the momentum away from NWU as Doane scored two more TDs in the 4th quarter.  The Prairie Wolves got one late TD pass to Zumpfe for the final scoring of the game.

It was a record-breaking game for Nebraska Wesleyan's passing game.  Tyler Francis set a new record with 33 completions and 58 completions in a game.  Connor Zumpfe tied a school record with four TD receptions, tie with Tim Beebe from 1986.

Zumpfe had a huge day for the NWU offense setting new career bests with nine catches for 209 yards with four touchdowns.  Francis finished 33-58 for a new career-high 399 yards.  He had four touchdowns and three interceptions, while getting sacked four times.  Joel Wiedel ran for 28 yards to lead the ground attack.

Kalen Vandenberg had nine tackles and a fumble recovery to lead the NWU defense.

Doane finished with 460 yards of total offense, with 435 through the air.  Brandon Stuart was 21-32 for 277 yards with 3 TDs, while Jack Shadley was 7-8 for 158 yards also with 3 TDs.

The Tigers now hold a two-game lead in the all-time series 48-46-2.  Doane improves to 3-2 overall and 3-1 in GPAC, while NWU falls to 1-4, 1-3 GPAC.  .    .