The Illinois Wesleyan football team hosted the Millikin University Big Blue on Saturday, October 1st. The Titans took their second CCIW win of the 2022 season in a 38-24 victory in a game where the Titans never trailed.
The Titans came out of the gates hot scoring the first 17 points of the game. IWU dominated in all aspects of the game recording 398 yards of total offense and holding the Big Blue to only 153.
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Saxe boasted an impressive stat line throwing for 23 completions on 35 attempts, adding up to 346 yards and four touchdowns. Saxe’s only weak point was his three interceptions throughout the game.
A key to Saxe’s success was sophomore receiver Myles Kee who hauled in 6 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown in the third quarter. After yet another electric performance, Kee continues to lead the CCIW in receptions and receiving yards.
Senior wide receiver Charlie Hamilton continued to make his presence known catching 7 passes for 71 yards.
Senior tight end Kevin Graham had a career day bringing down 3 catches for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 43 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the game for the Titans. His presence was noticed as he was named to D3football.com’s Team of the Week.
Although the Titans offense primarily found success through the air, junior Seth Albin made the most of his opportunities. Albin scored two touchdowns, one on the ground on the goal line and a 15 yard touchdown grab.
The Titans’ defense did a spectacular job getting off the field quickly and forcing the Big Blue to a third down conversion rate of 1 of 14 resulting in nine punts. The Green and White sacked the quarterback seven times.
Sophomore defensive end Josh Hlavacek added 2.5 sacks to that total while accumulating 4 tackles for a loss. Boasting such statline secured him the CCIW Defensive Player of the Week honor. IWU has not received this award since 2019.
The Titans 3-1 to start is the programs best since the 2018 campaign when they won the CCIW championship.
The Green and White look to continue their early season success as they travel to St. Louis and face the Washington University Bears on Saturday, October 8. The Titans aim to hand the Bears their first loss of the year.