The Siena Heights Football team looks to improve to 2-0 on the season when the team travels to face Olivet Nazarene on Saturday, September 8. This is the first season that the Saints have started a season with two road games in program history.
The Tigers are no stranger to Siena Heights, as this will be the seventh meeting between the two programs. The Saints lead the all-time series 4-2 and have never lost to ONU on the road (2-0). SHU has outscored the Tigers 108-78 in the first six games between the teams.
ONU was victorious in the most recent matchup last season as they pulled out a 20-11 win at O'Laughlin in 2017. The Saints outgained the Tigers in that game 269-267 in total offense, but ONU held the edge in rushing yards with 116 versus SHU's 92.
ONU dismantled Lindenwood-Belleville by winning 56-0 in the team's season opener last week. The Tiger offense piled up 336 rushing yards and 175 passing yards while the defense allowed 50 total yards (-7 rushing, 57 passing) while registering three takeaways.
ONU's running back trio consisting of Jared Honey, Jayvion Daniels, and LaShaun Rule combined for 34 carries, 271 yards, and four touchdowns to lead the Tiger offense. Honey had a team-high 14 carries for 68 yards and scored two touchdowns. Rule had nine carries for a team-high 111 yards and a touchdown while Daniels clocked in 11 carries for 92 yards and a score.
The defense was led by Arinze Ekowa who had a team-high seven tackles, four for loss (31 yards), three sacks (29 yards), two forced fumbles, and three quarterback hurries. Caleb Cole scored a defensive touchdown when he returned an interception for a 38-yard score.
The Saints totaled 303 total offensive yards, including 176 on the ground, in a 21-7 win at Missouri Baptist in week one. D'aries Davis was the workhorse for SHU as he recorded 33 carries for 116 yards. Jared Jordan also contributed on offense with 10 carries for 68 yards and a score. Tyler Knecht was 9-15 for 111 yards and a touchdown in the air. Damon Wright Jr. led the team with three receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown.
The defense was led by Malik Edwards who registered six tackles, 4.5 for loss (22 yards), 3.5 sacks (21 yards), and two quarterback hurries. DeVonte Collins-Anderson also tallied six tackles, one for loss (seven yards), and a sack (seven yards). Trevon Claybourne tallied five tackles and an interception.
The Tigers and Saints are set to kickoff at 2:00 p.m., EDT, at Ward Field in Bourbonnais, Illinois on Saturday, September 8.
