SELINSGROVE, PA (September 25, 2021) -- The Susquehanna University football team moved to 4-0 on the season for the first time since the 2000 season, while increasing its current win streak to 12 games in a 31-14 Centennial Conference victory over Dickinson College in play from Amos Alonzo Stagg Field in Doug Arthur Stadium Saturday for Parents Weekend and Ring of Honor Induction Saturday.
The River Hawks (4-0, 3-0 Centennial) have now won 11 straight home games in Doug Arthur Stadium, but Saturday's win was slow to get going for Susquehanna as both teams traded punts on their first few possessions. The big play early came compliments of the River Hawk defense, as Naphtali Stine forced a fumble which was picked up by Riley Gaughan and returned to the Dickinson 20. Four plays later, SU opened the scoring thanks to a four-yard touchdown plunge from Frankie Negrini.
On the next drive, Dickinson was once again forced into a 3-and-out which gave the ball right back to the offense. SU took advantage, as the hosts went 69 yards over seven plays with the drive ending with a 20-yard touchdown reception by Kyle Good from Michael Ruisch for a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Dickinson would answer on its next possession with a one-yard Bryce Baylor touchdown run, but SU responded with a tally of its own. Ruisch finished the scoring drive for SU with a quarterback sneak from a yard out, but also had a big 33-yard completion to Good earlier in the drive to get the River Hawks down to the Dickinson 35.
After a punt from DC the River Hawks would go into the half up 24-7 after Elijah Hoffman connected on a 39-yarder at the horn. Negrini had 66 yards on the ground in the first half to pace the River Hawks. In the second half, Dickinson couldn't get much going on its first possession and following a punt, Ruisch led an 8-play, 53-yard drive which ended in a two-yard touchdown score. On the play, Ruisch caught the snap and popped the ball forward to Good, who took the pass in motion and pushed in for the touchdown, his second of the day.
From that point, the SU defense allowed -13 yards rushing in the second half while picking off DC quarterback Caleb Pruitt twice in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Negrini finished with 78 yards rushing on 17 carries, adding a score, while Dashon Bundy also posted 34 yards on the ground on 11 totes. Ruisch was 17-of-27 for the day for 170 yards and two scores, while Good posted five grabs for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
The defensive unit was once again stellar for SU, was Edwin Maxwell led the way with seven tackles including six solo stops. Keith Green posted six tackles and a pass breakup, and Craig Roumes was his normal disruptive self with five tackles, a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. Brendan Krumenacker had five stops and three pass breakups, and Andrew Wells posted his first career interception. Drew Robinson also had a pick for SU, which allowed just 22 yards rushing for the game. On special teams, Clay Olley was amazing as he average 48.6 punts including a 62-yard boot and three inside the 20.
Tim Graham finished 14-of-23 for 247 yards passing, and Robert Guiss tallied seven catches for 147 yards and a score in the loss. Chris Klem posted 10 stops as well for Dickinson on defense.
Other Notes
- Susquehanna averaged 33.7 yards on kick-off returns Saturday against Dickinson.
- SU also won the time of possession battle by a wide mark, earning a 33:16-26:44 edge.
- Dickinson rushed for 22 yards on 22 attempts Saturday, an average of a yard per carry.
- Susquehanna forced two more fumbles Saturday, and has won the turnover battle in three of four games this season.
- The turnover differential for SU this season is 9-1.
Up Next
- Susquehanna (4-0, 3-0 Centennial Conference) will head back out on the road next Saturday, traveling to Collegeville, PA to take on Ursinus College (3-1, 2-1 Centennial Conference) at 1:30 PM.
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--RIVER HAWKS--