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Week 4 Football Preview: Blue Streaks Set for Showdown at Muskingum

| By: Dylan Feltovich, Senior Staff Writer
John Carroll is on the hunt for its first road win of the year.
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS — The John Carroll Blue Streak are back on the road this week to take on Ohio Athletic Conference opponent, the Muskingum Fighting Muskies.

Last week marked the Blue Streaks' first win of the 2024 season, defeating Heidelberg 48-10. After the Student Princes began the contest with a 10-point lead, the Blue Streaks scored 48 unanswered points. Quarterback Nick Semptimphelter completed 18-of-23 passing attempts, while also throwing for 273 yards and three touchdowns.

For the Fighting Muskies, they will be looking to defend their undefeated record against John Carroll. Muskingum was able to take down Wilmington College in dominant fashion last week, 42-13.

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John Carroll has won the last 13 contests against Muskingum. Last year, JCU's offense exploded for 586 total yards in the team's home 43-13 victory over the Fighting Muskies. 

The Offenses

JCU
The Blue Streaks' offense has been run through the Bucknell transfer Semptimphelter, who currently sits second in the OAC in passing yards per game (248.0) and passing touchdowns (8). Wide Receivers Tyler Mintz and Tyren Montomery and tight end Kenneth Rawls have been Semptimphelter's favorite targets, racking up 522 total yards combined. 

JCU has still been looking to find their footing in the ground game with a crowded running back room. A week ago against the Student Princes, Nemo Jenkins got the bulk of the carries rushing for 68 yards on 13 attempts and scoring his first touchdown in Blue and Gold. 

The offensive line will be critical as usual. John Carroll is fortunate to have depth at the position, with the ability to rotate different players into the game. JCU got to play plenty of backups late in the game vs. Heidelberg, too. 

Muskingum
Junior running back Chandler Ross has been the bell cow back for Muskingum, tallying 193 rushing yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Through the air, sophomore starting quarterback Cavan Cooper has had an impressive start to his first year starting, completing 64.6% of his passes for 663 yards and six touchdowns and one interception. 

Fifth year senior Travanti Keitt is the Muskies' leading receiver, totalling 21 catches for 275 yards and two scores through the Muskies' first three games. 

The offensive line is a veteran group, returning just about everyone. The line is big, with plenty of domineering players with size. The big uglies up front help to power the offensive unit. 

The Defenses

JCU
Defensively, John Carroll is anchored by brothers Tyler and Joe Thimons. Tyler, in his fifth season as a key contributor, currently leads the team in total tackles with 27. Joe had a standout performance a week ago racking up four total tackles, two and a half tackles for loss and one and a half sacks against Heidelberg. 

Sophomore linebacker Davon Badley, in just his second career start, also shined, collecting five total tackles and a 32-yard pick six. For his efforts, the Painesville native became JCU's first OAC Athlete of the Week this season. 

A weak point in the JCU defense has been their run defense, and the Muskies average 172.7 yards rushing per game. John Carroll's front seven returns Tony Tirado at linebacker, which should help. JCU will look to stop the ball at the point of attack and prevent long Muskingum drives. JCU recovered nicely after a slow start vs. Heidelberg, making plenty of plays in the backfield.

Muskingum 
On the other side of the ball, the Muskies have completely dominated junior linebacker Martavious Johnson and senior defensive lineman Toleo Malone lead the Muskies in total tackles, each having 21. A couple weeks ago, Malone earned OAC Defensive Athlete of the Week honors thanks to a fantastic effort vs. Otterbein, corralling 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, plus one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Senior Doug Atkins leads Muskingum with two sacks on the young season. The veteran defensive lineman has also been a disruptor on run plays, notching 3.5 tackles for loss. 

The key man thus far in the secondary has been Jacques Marcellus, as the sophomore defensive back has a team-best 3 pass breakups. Ekyri Williams also cannot be ignored, picking off two passes already this season. As a team, Muskingum is limited offenses to just a 52.3% completion rate and 6.9 yards per attempt.

Historical Look Back 
100 years ago, John Carroll opened the 1924 campaign on October 4 with a 51-0 win over what is now Western Kentucky at League Park. Rags Plummer notched touchdown runs of 64 and 67 yards and Dick Bright kicked a 45-yard field goal. It was Mal Elward's debut as head coach. John Carroll went 7-2 on the season. 
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