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Nick Semptimphelter vs. Mount Union
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Week 3 Football Preview: Blue Streaks Ready for Home Opener vs. Heidelberg

| By: Dylan Feltovich, Senior Staff Writer
The Blue Streaks are looking for the season's first win in the home opener. 
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS — The John Carroll Blue Streaks are set to make the team's home debut of the 2024 season this Saturday against the Heidelberg Student Princes.

After a heartbreaking loss to Ohio Athletic Conference rival Mount Union last week, JCU is looking to turn the page. The Blue Streaks have some success to build off of, namely a lively passing attack and some opportune defensive plays. JCU hung around with the #4 Purple Raiders all game, a promising sign for the rest of the campaign. 

Heidelberg, on the other hand, will be searching for a win to put themselves above .500 this year after a tough loss to Ohio Northern last week. The Student Princes are coming off of a 6-4 campaign a year ago. This season features some new faces, but graduate students dot the two deep.

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Overall, the Blue Streaks have controlled the series, winning 28 of the 34 games. The impressive record includes JCU's victory over the Student Princes last season, 34-7. Former quarterback Joe Collins tore up Heidelberg's secondary, as he threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns.

The party starts at 10 am on South Belvoir Ave. with the pregame tailgate. The First 40 Tailgate for students will feature free food. The Carroll Crazies will also be giving away free donuts starting at 11 am outside Hamlin and Campion Halls. 

The Offenses

JCU

John Carroll's improvements from week one to week two were clearly evident through the offense. Quarterback Nick Semptimphelter threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns last week against the Purple Raiders, which was a critical part of the Blue Streaks' offensive success.

Wide receiver Tyler Mintz was Semptimphelter's go-to guy last week, as the veteran hauled in seven catches for 123 yards.

With John Carroll facing a weaker run defense as compared to last week, look for the offense to try and establish the run game early in the contest. Evan McVay, Nemo Jenkins, and Quincy Newsom will try and build off the success from prior weeks.

Heidelberg

The Student Princes are still trying to find an offensive identity as they continue their journey through conference play.

There has been some movement at the quarterback spot for Heidelberg this year, as both Alex Arledge and Lance Rickle have made appearances under center this season. Rickle will be the team's presumed starter, but don't be surprised if Arledge finds his way on the field.

Even though Heidelberg does not have clarity at the quarterback spot, the offense has found some stability with running back Drew Miller. The sophomore rusher has 152 yards on the ground through two games this season, while averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

The Defenses

JCU

Despite giving up 37 points to Mount Union's high-powered offense, the Blue Streaks' front seven was a force to be reckoned with, tallying seven tackles for losses and two sacks. Senior defensive lineman Isaac Wilson accounted for two of the tackles for losses and was credited with half a sack last week. 

But it wasn't just the front seven that showed promise last week. JCU's secondary unit limited the Purple Raiders to just 214 yards through the air. Both Jacob Hufnagel and Lamar Thomas had a pass breakup in the contest, while Thomas also forced a fumble.

In order for the Blue Streaks to find the team's first win of the season this year, the defense effort needs to carry over from last week.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg may have uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense does not fit this agenda.

The Student Princes' linebacker unit returned all of the players from last season, while the secondary features all graduate students. Having a veteran-heavy defense helped out the other side of the ball in the team's season opener against Hiram, as Heidelberg only allowed 14 points.

The Student Princes must find a way to shut down Semptimphelter and the JCU offense in order to allow their offense more flexibility.
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