Snapping a three-year losing streak to Augustana University, the Titans reigned victorious in a 29-21 win over the Vikings on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. This marks the fourth conference win for the Titans, leaving their overall record at 4-4.
Illinois Wesleyan racked up 435 yards of offense, including 234 yards on the ground. Junior Danny Kent led the rushing attack with 100 yards and a touchdown, while senior Jahari Scott added 88 yards. Quarterback Dermot Smyth threw for 201 passing yards and a touchdown.
Illinois Wesleyan’s defense, which limited Augustana to just 81 rushing yards, tallied four sacks and eight tackles for loss. Senior Zach McNees sealed the victory with a sack on Augustana’s final push, thwarting a potential game-tying drive with 11 seconds left. McNees’ sack capped an impressive defensive effort, while sophomore Matt Hansen recorded 1.5 sacks and senior Sam Schott led the team with 10 tackles.
Augustana initially jumped to a 14-3 lead before Illinois Wesleyan responded with a field goal and a touchdown to narrow the deficit to 14-12 at halftime. The Titans then took the lead in the third quarter with a 27-yard field goal from sophomore Kaden Junge and a fourth-quarter touchdown from Kent. After the Vikings’ missed field goal, Illinois Wesleyan put the game away with a 12-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown run from Smyth.
The Titans will visit Carroll University on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 12 p.m. for their final home match before returning to Tucci Stadium on