MEADVILLE, Pennsylvania- Wittenberg entered Saturday's final regular season NCAC game controlling their own destiny, but a little help from the rest of the league didn't hurt the Tigers. After handling business against the Gators of Allegheny, 45-8, Wittenberg was crowned NCAC champions, but the Tigers title would change distinction later on in the day, as DePauw knocked off Wabash, making the Tigers outright league champions. Wittenberg finishes the season 9-1 overall with an 8-1 mark in NCAC play, as the Tigers now await Sunday's selection show to see where the Division III Playoff committee sends the team that has won six of the last eight NCAC titles.
SCORING BREAKDOWN
- Capping off a three play drive, DeShawn Sarley broke-off a 32 yard-run at the 3:55 mark in the first quarter to put the Tigers up 7-0.
- On a day where he could not be covered, Luke Landis hauled in a 38 yard-bomb from Jake Kennedy to cap off an 80-yard drive, and put the Tigers up 14-0.
- Sarley found the end zone yet again in the first half, as the sophomore only needed a yard to score, putting the Tigers up 21-0.
- Bryce Bailey caught Kennedy's second passing touchdown of the game at the beginning of the third quarter, as the Tigers lead swelled to 28-0
- Will Gingery stayed consistent for the Tigers, sending a 29-yarder through the uprights as the Tigers went up 31-0.
- Dustin Holmes got in on the scoring for the Tigers, as the senior linebacker picked off Allegheny pass in the fourth quarter, returning the errant throw 31 yards for a touchdown to put the Tigers up 38-0.
- After allowing a Gator touchdown, Wittenberg capped off the day with a 55 yard run from freshman Nick Kendall, as the Tigers lead of 45-8 would stand.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
- Kennedy finished Saturday with 198 passing yards and two touchdowns, as the sophomore signal caller concluded the regular season with 2,059 passing yards and 25 total touchdowns.
- Landis could not be contained on Saturday, as the senior hauled in five catches for 120 yards and a touchdown.
- Landis finished the 2016 regular season with 755 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
- Wittenberg's nationally ranked defense lowered its league leading rushing defense to 69.6 yards per game after Saturday's win, as the team also lowered its scoring defense to 9.6 points per game.
- Holmes paced the Tigers with two pass-breakups and an interception touchdown return, as the senior Springfield native racked up 11 tackle on Saturday.
2016 NCAC Champion Wittenberg Tigers! #TigerUp #WeLoveYouMiles pic.twitter.com/XxUHet1MuM
— Wittenberg Football (@WittFootball) November 12, 2016
Wittenberg trounces Allegheny 45-8, earns fourth @NCAC crown in last five seasons. @WittFootball making 19th @NCAADIII playoff appearance.
— Scott Leo (@Scott_Leo) November 12, 2016
Congrats @WittFootball on Winning the conference! Time to update that ring case #NCACChamps #TTFU �������������������� pic.twitter.com/tvuSIoWWjd
— Raphael Allen (@Ratchet_Ralphyy) November 12, 2016
@WittFootball wins their 14th NCAC Championship! #TigerUp pic.twitter.com/BfptE5McDw
— Wittenberg Athletics (@WittAthletics) November 12, 2016