Box Score
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. – Numerous changes to Allegheny's two-deep including a game-time decision for standout quarterback T.J. Salopek painted a gloomy picture for the Gators even prior to Saturday's start. Despite a tremendous effort, especially by their defensive corps, the Gators were eliminated from contention in the North Coast Athletic Conference championship title race. Wabash rode superb special teams and an outstanding defensive performance of its own en route to a 20-3 victory at home.
Allegheny (5-3, 3-2 NCAC) had its three-game winning streak snapped despite holding a stout Wabash offense to its lowest offensive output of the season and nearly 150 yards below its season average. The Gators were once again impressive against the opposition's ground game. Entering the day ranked ninth in the nation in rush defense, Allegheny held the Little Giants to half of their season average while becoming the first team to hold the Wabash ground game under 100 yards.
The beginning of the game was exactly the opposite of what the Allegheny faithful was hoping to see in another difficult road game. After losing five yards on its first possession, Wabash covered 61 yards on 15 plays in its first drive to set up the game's initial score. Despite having first-and-goal at the Allegheny four, the Gators pushed the Little Giants back two yards on the next three plays, forcing the team to settle for a 24-yard field goal.
Wabash (7-1, 5-0) extended its advantage to double figures as quarterback Tyler Burke supplied the only offensive touchdown of the day with a six-yard keeper three minutes into the second quarter.
Allegheny finally sliced into the deficit in the closing seconds of the half as Ryan Zipf drilled his NCAC-leading 10th field goal of the season from 27 yards out. The score capped a nine-play, 80-yard drive that included a 21-yard reception by Brian Tamburlin and a career-best 31-yard run by Matt Deivert.
The teams flexed their defensive muscles during the first half of the third quarter as neither offense was able to move the ball. Ahead 10-3, Wabash tacked on three more at the end of the period off a 32-yard field goal by Spencer Whitehead. The scoring drive totaled 53 yards on 10 plays and was the longest offensive drive for either team in the half. Midway through the final frame Wabash did what it has done best all season - turn it to its special teams to ignite the decisive blow. After pinning Allegheny inside its own 20, the Little Giants delivered their NCAA-best 10th blocked punt of the season. The block was picked up Jonathan Koop at the nine-yard line and returned to the end zone for the final score of the day.
Rookie quarterback Jordan Fowler made his collegiate debut in the fourth quarter, but was unable to steer the offense into a dangerous position. Fowler did finish 2-of-3 for 13 yards.
Salopek showed remarkable resilience in making his 36th career start for the Gators although he finished 13-of-23 for a season-low 76 yards, and was sacked four times. Deivert, who had a game-best 68 yards rushing, led all players with 75 yards of total offense.
It truly was a team performance for the Gators on defense. Holding Wabash to a season-low 14 first downs and a season-worst 2-of-16 on third downs, the Gators had 25 different players factor on at least one tackle. Eddie Blacka collected a team-best six stops, while Joel Trembulak made five tackles and was credited with a forced fumble. Twelve players made at least three stops, while John Douglas added to his team-lead on the season with a pair of tackles for -12 yards.
Although Allegheny has lost three games this season, they have been dealt a very difficult slate. The combined record for the three teams to beat Allegheny this season is 23-1 while all three teams have been fixtures this year in the national polls. To the Gators' credit, they have lost all three contests by an average of seven points proving just how close the Blue and Gold has been in 2010.
