Sept. 16, 2017 – If the formula worked once, it should work again. That was the strategy for the Concordia University Chicago Cougars as they hit the road for a game with Kalamazoo College this afternoon. As was the case at Ripon College two weeks ago, the Cougars played a dominating first half and survived a late push from the home team. In today's game, the opponents' comeback actually netted them a lead before a strong effort by the Cougars in the fourth quarter resulted in a 41-29 win and a 2-0 record on the season.

Once again, the Cougars made a big opening statement as they shot out to a 16-0 lead in the first 15 minutes. Ryan Allison set the tone as he returned the opening kickoff 66 yards. The offense picked up one first down when Shane Virnala converted a fourth-down pass to D.J. Perry. However, Kalamazoo's defense made a stand on the next series of downs, and Orlando Hayes came on to boot a field goal from 30 yards out for the opening points of the game.

The CUC defense took the field, and it did not take them long to make their first big play. On third-and-four, the quarterback's pass was deflected high in the air and came down in the hands of Thaddous Daniel Jr. Virnala and the offense capitalized on the short field, needing just four plays to cover 37 yards. The score came as Virnala hit a streaking Allison for a 25-yard pass down the middle. Hayes added the extra point, and the Cougars led 10-0 less than five minutes into the game.

Later in the quarter, the offense was back at it, with freshman Kolson Pua sparking a 66-yard drive with a run for 11 yards. Virnala then hit Leroy Bridges III for 31 yards to get the Cougars deep into Hornets' territory. Moments later, another completion to Bridges took the Cougars down to the one, from where Pua powered it into the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown. The extra point missed, but the Cougars still led 16-0 with three minutes to go in the quarter.
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The home team began to accumulate some momentum in the second quarter, and they reached the end zone as Zach Van Faussien found Zak Zogan behind the defense. Zogan hauled in the pass and raced 55 yards for the touchdown. The Hornets went for the two-point conversion, but the pass receiver was stopped short of the end zone, and the score stayed at CUC 16, KC 6.

Kalamazoo's defense managed to stop CUC on a couple of drives, but Hayes dropped two punts inside the 20-yard line to keep field position in the visitors' favor.

Late in the half, the Cougars' quick-strike offense enabled them to get some breathing room. The combination of Virnala and Allison hit the jackpot again, this time for 50 yards as Allison was open in the middle of the field. A key block allowed him to reach the pylon untouched, and CUC led 23-6. A punt gave the Cougars one more chance and, while they were denied the end zone, Hayes' leg was true from 36 yards out for his second three-pointer of the game, and Concordia-Chicago went to the locker room at half with a 26-6 lead.

The Hornets got the opening kickoff for the second half and put together an impressive drive of 90 yards, most of it through the air. Zach VanFaussien completed the drive with a 30-yard strike to Seth Dexter, and the Hornets were within 26-13.

Concordia-Chicago could not restart its offense in the third quarter, and Kalamazoo took advantage by striking again late in the quarter. This time, it was Alex White finding Dexter for the points, and the home team was within 26-20. Then, on the third play of the ensuing CUC drive, the Cougars' first turnover of the season cost them six points and the lead. Jakob Frederick stepped in front of a pass and took it 27 yards the other way. For the first time all season, CUC trailed in a game.
 
"It was a situation we weren't really used to, but our guys handled the situation well," said CUC head coach Randy Awrey. "They were frustrated, but they shook it off and knew that if they got back to business, they could still come away with the win."

The Cougars' response showed in the fourth quarter. Virnala made key completions to Allison and Robert Padilla, and CUC also took advantage of a few defensive penalties to move into the red zone. On a first-and-goal from the nine, Virnala found Bridges at the pylon, and the Cougars retook the lead. A two-point pass to Allison made it a seven-point lead for the Cougars at 34-27.

The CUC defense kept the momentum in the visitors' possession. Adeoluwa Olaniyan recorded a huge sack of nine yards, putting Kalamazoo under pressure. On the fourth-and-13, the Cougars deflected yet another pass with Kareem Dabney securing the ball.

Back the other way drove the Cougars, going 72 yards for a crucial insurance touchdown. Virnala had more lightning in his arm as he connected with Allison for 30 yards, Dooley for 12 and 15 yards, and Bridges for five yards on a fourth-and-three. With a first down at the 16, Virnala fired to Allison who made a diving grab at the goal line for his third score of the day and a 41-27 lead.

The defense was in control over the final seven minutes. The Hornets felt the thunder of the Cougars' pass rush, with Trevaugn Collins recording a pair of sacks. Meanwhile, the offense played it safe while deep in their own end, the Cougars giving up an intentional safety with just over a minute to go for the final points of the game.

A 5-1 advantage contributed to Concordia-Chicago's victory, and the Cougars are a collective 9-1 in that category for their two wins. In addition to the interceptions by Dabney and Daniel, Rodolfo Payan and Demetrius Rufus also picked off passes, and Zak Ripp recovered a fumble. The Cougars' pass rush was also a plus factor, with Collins and Jaylan Cox combining for four of the team's six sacks. Payan led the defense with 13 total tackles (three solos). Cox accounted for nine tackles (six solos) including three for minus-yards and one forced fumble, and Deshawn Battle added eight tackles (five solos).

Kalamazoo outgained Concordia-Chicago, 461 yards to 407, but CUC had an advantage of nearly five minutes in time of possession. Virnala threw for 371 yards on 34 of 58 with Allison hauling in 13 passes for 183 yards. Pua rushed for 56 yards on 17 carries.

The Cougars will enjoy a week off before returning to action on Saturday, Sept. 30 for the annual Homecoming game versus Trine University.