SEWARD, Neb. -- Concordia University scored on six of their seven offensive possessions in the first half to build up a huge lead as they defeated Nebraska Wesleyan 47-14 in GPAC football action on Saturday at Bulldog Stadium in Seward, Neb.
NWU falls to 2-4 on the season and 1-4 in GPAC play while Concordia advances to 4-1 and 3-1 in GPAC.
The Bulldogs put touchdowns on the board on five of their first six drives and mixed in a field goal and safety as they led 40-0 at halftime to the delight of the hometown homecoming crowd. NWU outscored Concordia 14-7 in the second half but it was much too late.
Big plays were the story of the first half as the Bulldogs hit early and often with long scoring plays against the Prairie Wolves defense. On the opening drive, Bryce Collins ran 52 yards for the first touchdown. The next time CU had the ball, TJ Austin found Trae Owens for a 48-yard TD pass.
NWU had their best offensive possession to end the first quarter that carried over to the beginning of the second. Looking to get on the board,
Kramer Rath attempted a 36-yard field goal that came up short in what could have been the turning point of the game. Three plays later, Concordia running back Bryce Collins busted a 75-yard TD run and the route was on. Austin had a 24-yard TD run to go up 28-0 in the second quarter.
NWU was forced to punt on their possession and got off only a 15-yard punt. An offside penalty negated the play so NWU punted again. This time the snap was bad and punter
Andrew Gelb kicked the ball back into the endzone for a safety. Concordia added another TD and field goal before the break for the 40-0 lead.
NWU did get two touchdowns in the second half as
Joel Wiedel and
Shaka Taylor both had 1-yard TD runs.
The Prairie Wolves had only 238 yards of total offense, with 131 on the ground and 107 through the air. NWU gave up over 500 yards for the second straight week as Concordia piled up 508 yards on the day. The Bulldogs ran for 282 and passed for 226.
Ben Green was 13-26 for 65 yards with an interception and was the team's leading rusher with 68 yards.Â
Joel Wiedel added 56 yards on 11 carries and caught seven passes for 31 yards.
Brandon McGill had 11 tackles to lead the NWU defense.
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