DECORAH, Iowa (October 26, 2024) – Nebraska Wesleyan football surged past Luther College with a 40-14 win at Carlson Stadium. The Prairie Wolves improved their record to 3-4, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and stout defense, while Luther dropped to 1-7. NWU's relentless ground game and precise passing lifted them to an early lead they held onto throughout the matchup.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Nebraska Wesleyan struck first with a two-yard touchdown run from Kevin Starnes early in the first quarter, though the extra point was missed. Shortly after, quarterback Gunnar Link connected with Jaheim Felder on a 21-yard pass to put NWU up 12-0. The second quarter saw NWU extend their lead as Joey McLaughlin hauled in a 32-yard touchdown pass from Link, making it 19-0. Luther responded with a three-yard rushing touchdown but was still down 26-7 at halftime after another one-yard score by Starnes.
In the third quarter, NWU controlled possession and capped off a 99-yard drive with Starnes's third touchdown, expanding the lead. The defense made critical plays, including a first-quarter interception by Hunter Hanke and a third-quarter sack by Aydon Nelson that stumped Luther's progress. The Prairie Wolves added another touchdown in the fourth when Nathan Athouris powered through on a five-yard run. Luther managed one more touchdown with a 66-yard pass, but it wasn't enough to close the gap against NWU's dominant play.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
UP NEXT:
Nebraska Wesleyan will return home to Abel Stadium to take on Dubuque on November 2. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
