Two was the lucky number for the Blue Streaks.

John Carroll University forced a pair of turnovers, a collection of receptions, and two rushing touchdowns to fuel a 31-10 victory over the visiting Muskingum University Fighting Muskies. 

"The defense really carried us through the first half," head coach Rick Finotti said in the locker room afterward. "You know, they kind of bridged the storm a little bit with a couple of three-and-outs. It really helped us get that touchdown. 

"It was good to get a victory like that against a great football team. Muskingum is a tough football team. It was great to get a win."

Perhaps, the most important play was JCU's second turnover. 

With the game tied at 10, Muskingum junior quarterback Brody Hahn had his pass tipped at the line by Conner Bogard. The ball then trickled into the hands of Tyshawn Jones — the offense took it from there.

A 23- and 22-yard pickup by Keyshawn Colmon put the Blue and Gold ahead 17-10. Then, Colmon came up big once again with a 30-yard reception just before the end of the third quarter.

"He worked hard all summer with me," said Jake Floriea, who threw for 218 yards and a touchdown. "He told me, 'they're not covering me right now,' so we got exactly what we wanted."

Colmon added a total of five catches for 110 yards.

"The hard work is paying off for all of us," Colmon said deflecting his success to his team. "It has been great working with Jake [Floriea.] We trust each other."

Following Colmon's catch, Michael Canagnelli rushed for 23 yards for a score that put the Blue and Gold ahead 24 points. He registered 111 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, including his 23-yard rushing score that was his longest of the day. 

"Everyone saw how great of a playmaker he is," Floriea said of Canganelli. "He is so dynamic. He can run the ball, he can catch the ball. It makes my job easy."

Canganelli's second touchdown put the Blue Streaks ahead 31-10, pushing the game out of reach for Muskingum.

"We have to be a team that can pass and run and get those tough yards and get those big first downs," said Finotti.  "It is great to see those big catches by [Key]shawn Colmon."

Meanwhile, the Blue and Gold defense limited the Fighting Muskies to just 95 yards of total offense and scoreless in the second half.

A career-high 15 tackles for Hunter Orlando landed the Blue Streaks on the right side of the win/loss column. 

"We just played fast. We played for each other," Orlando said on the field afterward. "Whether it is me or anyone else, the coaches, the players, we all believe in each other."

His 15 stops were the most of the game for any player.

"I was really impressed with Hunter," said Finotti. "I thought he was ready to go. We knew he was stout on the run and a real physical football player. We knew he was a good football player. He did well with his opportunity."

Nate Leopold highlighted the defensive effort in the first half as the ball fell into his lap on a fumble from freshman Jeffrey Curtis. Leopold maneuvered his way 34-yards into the end zone for his second touchdown of the season and his first defensive touchdown.

"He is a ballplayer," Finotti said of Leopold. "He got on our radar early on because of his nose for the football, his ability to not be afraid to make a play."

The Fighting Muskies' lone touchdown came in the second quarter from Han, following a fumble by junior Deven Ward. JCU limited Hahn to just 121 passing yards and 45% completion. However, he led his team with 62 rushing yards.

JCU outrushed Muskingum 166-92 in their third overall win this season.
 
The Blue Streaks will head down to Bexley, Ohio, to play the Capital Crusaders next week.