Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Tyson Simon vs. UWW
Jose Figueroa

Football Dylan Feltovich, Senior Staff Writer

Week 2 Football Preview: #25 Blue Streaks Headed to Play at #4 Mount Union

The Blue Streaks are hoping to upend the Purple Raiders in the final meeting between the two as OAC rivals. 
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS — Rivalry week is finally here for the #25 ranked John Carroll Football Team.

After a tough loss two weeks ago against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Blue Streaks are gearing up for their trip to the Alliance to take on OAC rival Mount Union.

The Purple Raiders handled business in the team's season opener against Ferrum, 55-6. JCU will look to hand Mount Union their first loss of the 2024 season after last year's heartbreaking loss at home, 49-14. 

Mount Union has dominated the series, winning 38 of the 43 games while touting a seven-game win streak over John Carroll. The Purple Raiders have not lost a regular season game since JCU upended Mount Union in Alliance back in 2016. 

Game Notes
Tickets
Live Stats
Live Video
Listen on WJCU 88.7 FM / WJCU.org

The Offenses

JCU
In order for the Blue Streaks to take down their rival on the road, the offense will have to find a way to break through the stout Purple Raiders' defense.

Both the offensive line and running backs will play a critical role tomorrow. Senior Evan McVay and the rest of the running back room will need to get it going early on the ground for John Carroll. Having five starting-caliber rushers will provide many different looks for Mount's defense and keep them off balance.

Establishing the run game will also help open the passing game for the Blue Streaks. Quarterback Nick Semptimphelter flashed his potential in his first start for JCU, but the veteran passer will need all the help he can get against one of the best secondaries in D-III football. Scoring in the red zone will be tantamount. 

Mount Union
Despite losing star wide receiver Wayne Ruby Jr., Mount Union has clearly found success on the offensive side of the ball.

The high-scoring offense is led by junior quarterback Noah Beaudrie, a true dual-threat on the ground and through the air. He exploded onto the scene in his first start for the Purple Raiders, throwing for 282 yards and two touchdowns while leading his team in rushing yards with 85.

Beaudrie also finished with three rushing touchdowns in the team's matchup against Ferrum (tying a school record for rushing scores by a QB), proving himself to be the catalyst of the offense. Mount Union gets the best out of their quarterback through a deceptive run-pass option (RPO) system, which can cause trouble for any defense.

The receiver core supporting him is very good. Tight end Drew Dims, at 6'4", also cannot be ignored. In the run game, Tyler Echeverry and Darnell Williams are a 1-2 punch. Echeverry is the lead back, while Williams is a perfect complement as a speedster. And up front, Mount Union has ample talent, headed by right tackle Ben Lilly, last year's Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year with Matt Wrather. 

The Defenses

JCU
Discipline will be the key for the Blue Streaks defense.

Head Coach Jeff Behrman stressed the importance of discipline and vision to his team this week, which will be the key to success against an offense that features RPOs. The defensive efforts this weekend needs to start in the front seven by stopping the run. A combination of winning the battles in the trenches and smart linebacker play (as well as the right run fits) will be critical in stopping the Purple Raiders offense. 

Mount Union has also proven to be successful through the air, so the Blue Streak secondary will have to play with discipline. The unit showed promise in week one against UWW after only allowing 153 passing yards.

Mount Union
Like John Carroll, the Purple Raiders will have to win in the trenches this week.

Mount has demonstrated their excellence within the secondary, as the unit gave up a staggering 54 yards through the air against Ferrum. But the front seven will be the key in trying to shut down the Blue Streaks.

Senior Rossy Moore will lead the charge on defense, as the highly-decorated defender is one of the best at the DIII level. Moore is Mount's bandit, as he can drop back as a outside linebacker in 3-4 schemes while also being a talented rusher, amongst the best you'll see at the Division III level. On the opposite edge, Kaleb Brown is a playmaker, as well. Marcus Jackson returns as a talented will linebacker.

In the secondary, safeties John Roland and Brandon Yanssens are back. The corners are new, but still twitchy and athletic. 

And of course, the kicking game will be key. The Purple Raiders possess some electric returners. JCU will need to be disciplined on the cover teams to prevent game-changing plays. 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Evan McVay

#5 Evan McVay

RB
5' 8"
Senior
Matt Wrather

#54 Matt Wrather

OL
5' 11"
Senior
Nick Semptimphelter

#14 Nick Semptimphelter

QB
6' 1"
Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

Evan McVay

#5 Evan McVay

5' 8"
Senior
RB
Matt Wrather

#54 Matt Wrather

5' 11"
Senior
OL
Nick Semptimphelter

#14 Nick Semptimphelter

6' 1"
Graduate Student
QB

Sponsors