The Nebraska Wesleyan defense held Concordia to just 137 yards of total offense and posted their second shut out of the season as the Prairie Wolves blew past the Bulldogs, 44-0, in GPAC football action Saturday afternoon (Oct. 25) at Abel Stadium in Lincoln, Neb.

With the win, the Prairie Wolves improve to 4-3 overall and 4-3 in the GPAC and post a four-game winning streak for just the second time since 1992. Concordia drops its fifth straight contest to fall to 1-7.

The Nebraska Wesleyan offense also was clicking on all cylinders on Saturday as they piled up 475 yards of total offense with a very balanced attack. The Prairie Wolves had 274 rushing yards and 201 passing yards. NWU had 30 first downs compared to just six for the Bulldogs.

NWU jumped out quick as Phil Harm picked up a fumble and scored just 50 seconds into the game. Jordan Stutzman would score the first of his two TDs in the first quarter to go up 14-0 at the end of the first.

Zach Egger connected on a 30-yard field goal, then just before half Matt Hagge found Tyler Ridder on a crossing pattern for a 75-yard touchdown pass to make the score 23-0 at halftime.

Hagge added a four-yard touchdown run, and Stutzman had a two-yard TD run in the third quarter. Seth Mruz capped off the scoring with a four yard touchdown run with 48 seconds to go in the game.

Kory Kahlandt led the NWU rushing attack with 93 yards on 19 carries. Stutzman added 86 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns. With his two touchdowns, Stutzman now is tied for 2nd all-time in career rushing touchdowns in NWU history with 21. He is just one short of the school record.

Hagge finished the game 13-22 for 201 yards with a touchdown but did have two interceptions. He also had 46 yards on the ground with a TD.

Concordia's only chance to score was in the fourth quarter when they drove down to the two yard line but did not get it in the end zone after three tries.

Kyle Schmidt was 8-13 for 59 yards and two picks for Concordia, while starter TJ Shirey was 3-10 with an interception. The Bulldogs had 63 rushing yards on 27 carries.

The NWU defense had three interceptions and forced two fumbles. Leading the
way was Jim Tvrdy and Cameron Kolling with six total tackles. Tvrdy had 1.5 tackles-for-loss with a pass breakup, while Kolling had a sack for 13 yards. Paul Seger, Tony Terp and Phil Schroer each had interceptions.

NWU will travel to Fremont, Neb., next Saturday to battle Midland Lutheran College at 1 pm. Both teams are 4-3 in the GPAC.