There were some familiar names that helped deliver a 45-21 John Carroll road victory over the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Saturday afternoon.

Sam Kukura would fit the bill as a familiar name, as he added three more touchdowns to his career total (now at 22), which moved him into the all-time top ten in school history in rushing touchdowns.

There were also some less familiar names that dotted the box score. Evan Nugent, who began the day with four career receptions for 35 yards and no touchdowns, delivered big with three catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Both Kukura and Nugent were part of an effort that rolled up 465 yards of total offense against the Pointers in the first meeting between the two programs, held at Community Stadium in Goerke Park.

"I am happy we came up here and got the win against a quality opponent from a quality conference," said JCU head football coach Rick Finotti. "We think the OAC is the best conference in Division III and the Wisconsin folks think they have the best conference in Division III. They (UWSP) were a tough and physical team, and I am proud of how we battled."

The game featured eight turnovers and a number happened early. On the Blue Streaks' second possession, Anthony Moeglin was intercepted by OJ James. But on the very next play, Blue Streak preseason All-American Conner Bogard recovered a fumble to turn the momentum back in John Carroll's favor.

Three players after the fumble, Moeglin found Nugent from seven yards out for the first score of the game.

A bizarre play began the next series of turnovers. With the Blue Streaks driving deep into Pointers territory, a Moeglin pass attempt was batted at the line, which was subsequently caught by Moeglin, who was then stripped of the ball by Jashawn Witt. Two plays later, UWSP quarterback Matt Urmanski was picked off by Connor Robinson at the JCU 42-yard line.

The Blue Streaks would push the lead to 14-0 two series later. Covering 79 yards in five plays, the drive featured two long runs. One was a 36-yard burst by Moeglin, and the second was a Kukura 24-yard run that ended in the end zone.

Stevens Point came up with its best drive of the day on the next possession. A nine-play, 69-yard march concluded with a 17-yard pass play, but Tyler Frederick blocked the extra point to keep the score 14-6.

JCU had one last bit of fireworks before the half ended. With 2:57 showing on the clock, Moeglin found Danny Disbrow for a pair of short gains, and then uncorked a 62-yard bomb to Nugent to give John Carroll a 21-6 lead the break.

"We've been together now for a few years, and especially in spring ball we have worked well together," said Nugent of his quarterback. "I will never take the place of guys like (Brian) Kornowski and (Willie) Woods, but I am happy I stepped up and played well today."

The tide appeared to turn early in the second half when after stalling on its first two drives, UWSP found new life after a muffed punt return. Right after the fumble recovery, Urmanski found Christian Almonte for a 23 yard touchdown strike. A two-point conversion cut the Blue Streaks lead to 21-14.

The Pointers then forced a John Carroll punt, but another key turnover swung momentum back to the Blue and Gold. Connor Robinson recovered a fumble to set up a 42-yard Matt Danko field goal, and then a Chad Stalnaker interception on the next series led to a Moeglin three-yard touchdown run that gave John Carroll a 31-14 lead late in the third quarter.

Stevens Point did score on its next drive, but the Blue Streaks put the game out of reach with a pair of touchdowns by Kukura, the second coming after a Ray Brewster interception.

The JCU defense limited the Pointers to 79 yards rushing on 29 carries. Although UWSP did gain 302 yards passing (on 55 attempts), the Blue Streaks came up with three interceptions, forced two fumbles and created four sacks.

"I thought our defensive coaches had a great game plan," said Finotti. "They had been preaching about takeaways, really emphasizing that in practice, and it bore itself out today. Taking care of the little things and putting themselves in position to make plays. It was great to see."

John Carroll will be off until hosting Otterbein in its home opener on September 15.