Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The University of Dubuque football team's defense would once again help the Spartans to victory in a heart stopping finish 15-14. UD was looking to score late in the fourth quarter when a fumble would give the host Coe College Kohawks a chance for a homecoming victory. UD's defense pinned the Kohawks inside their two yard line when a holding penalty was called in the end zone against the Kohawks. The penalty would result in a game winning safety, and allowing UD to overcome a 13-14 deficit and give them a one point lead 15-14 with 2:45 left in the game.
The two teams defenses would be showcased most of the day with both teams challenged to move the ball offensively. UD was held to just 34 yards rushing and 212 yards through the air. Flags were frequent in the game and the Spartans compiled nine for loss of 94 yards as Coe garnered 10 penalties for 89 yards. Punters were kept busy as UD's Conner Halla ended the day with eight punts for 238 yards and placed three kicks inside the Kohawk 20 yard line. UD held the possession time edge 32:12 to 27:48. Defense held UD to just four of 16 third down attempts and UD's defense kept the Kohawks in check with just six third down conversions in 15 attempts.
Quarterback Ben Gultig was 24-40 passing attempts for 212 yards and one touchdown. Todd Simmons was one of his favorite targets who grabbed six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. Wade Sheets hauled in seven grabs for 53 yards with his longest of the day from 12 yards. Kallion Buckner couldn't break through the defensive front and was held to 39 yards in 16 rushing attempts.
Dalton Wood and CJ Dean would lead the defense with eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses of two yards and a pass break-up. Brock Carter grabbed six solos and an assist, had two tackles for losses of three yards and a pass break-up. Trea Samifua would force the one Kohawk fumble and Jerome Wilson picked up the loose ball for a nine yard return.
Special teams kicker Liam Smith was perfect on the afternoon with a pair of field goals (45 yards at 13:18 of second quarter), one from 29 yards (10:00 left in the fourth quarter) and an extra point.
UD will return home to Chalmers Field next week for their homecoming game against the Luther College Norse. Kick-off is slated for 2 p.m.