When the ball was snapped at McConagha Field in New Concord, Ohio, the Blue Streaks had another big time win in mind for this afternoon's game against the Fighting Muskies of Muskingum University

For the second time this season and for the second consecutive game against Muskingum, the John Carroll defense allowed seven points or less in posting a 44-7 victory.

"The defense is playing great. They have been playing great team defense with lots of energy," said head coach Rick Finotti following today's game.

Two was the number of the day for the Blue Streaks as they won their second Ohio Athletic Conference matchup of the season. The Blue and Gold also improve to 3-1 overall on the season with a 2-1 record in the OAC following today's 44-7 win over the Muskingum Fighting Muskies.

Finotti attested to today's win afterwards acknowledging, "We had great preparation and a great week of practice. I am really proud of the guys."

Leading the way in scoring from the start was sophomore Mike Canganelli, rushing for two touchdowns in the contest. Junior Anthony Moeglin added two passing touchdowns, extending his career total to 51. Senior Sam Kukura had two rushing touchdowns, as well.

It took over half a quarter for JCU to finally get going on offense, but once the Blue Streaks lighting struck — there was no stopping the storm.

Kukura put JCU on the board for first time of the day at the 6:05 mark in the first quarter with a one yard rushing touchdown. Kukura's score ignited a 27-point half from the offense against Muskingum.

The defense made some critical plays as well, one of them quite exciting.

Towards the end of the second quarter, senior Ray Brown made a play he would never forget. Brown picked off Muskingum quarterback Brody Han and ran 10 yards, his first career interception. Brown positioned the Blue and Gold seven yards away from Fighting Muskies territory and JCU would respond quickly with a score.

Moeglin found senior Danny Disbrow for an 8-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone. Moeglin finished the game 13-of-18 passing for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

As the end of the half neared, Canganelli refused to leave the Blue Streaks with a shortage of points. Canganelli ran down the sideline to the Muskingum 19-yard line, positioning the Blue Streaks in field goal range with two seconds remaining. Canganelli ran the ball 20 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns, and caught four receptions for 43 yards.

Senior Matt Danko lined up for a 36-yard field goal and kicked the Blue Streaks into the half with a 30-0 lead. Danko's field goal was his 21st career successful kick, placing himself into top-five all-time in field goals made in the John Carroll record books.

"It feels good, it's a big accolade. I am focusing on our team and doing whatever I can to help our team win," said Danko.

Kukura made history himself with his performance against Muskingum. At the 6:02 mark of the third quarter, Kukura ran for a four yard touchdown. Kukura is now 16th all-time in career rushing yards with 1,490 in his tenure.

Kukura and Canganelli were not the only two to do the heavy lifting on the ground for the Blue and Gold. Freshman Devin Limerick led the way with rushing yards.

Limerick was the stand out freshman but he was not the only one to produce. Jake Bunofsky recorded his first career interception and Nate Leopold recovered his first career fumble early in the first quarter, turning the tides of the game.

"It speaks to the leadership from our older guys. The young guys have earned the right to play in practice and they are a big part of our team," said Finotti.

The Blue Streaks finished with 413 total yards on offense, including 253 yards on the ground. The defense came away with four turnovers and three sacks, only allowing 54 yards rushing against Muskingum.

Finotti is never satisfied as each week the expectations increase. "There are lots of things we need to work on, and lots of things we need to get better at."

John Carroll will be back at home for the second time this season, hosting Capital University on October, 6th, for the annual homecoming game.