NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Carleton College football team overcame an early deficit and earned a 28-7 victory over University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars in their home opener. Jack Curtis shined in his return to Laird Stadium going 23-of-35 for 341 yards and throwing three touchdowns.
 
"It was a great team win today and our defense played lights out," said Carleton head coach Tom Journell. "Our kicking game and defense put the offense in some very favorable situations and we demonstrated we can score from anywhere on the field."
 
The Cougars (1-2) got on the scoreboard first after the two teams traded stops on their first two respective drives. UM-Morris was set up with excellent field position as they began the drive on their own 47-yard line. On the second play, Cougars' running back Izayah Boss broke free and took it 49 yards to the endzone to give the Cougars the lead with 6:55 to play in the opening frame.
 
The Knights (1-1) answered by putting together a nine-play 74-yard drive that lasted just 2:41. The drive was completed by a Jaden Coleman two-yard run up the middle for a touchdown, the first of his career. With 4:08 to play in the first quarter, the game was tied at 7-7.
 
Midway through the second quarter, the Cougars were in a difficult spot with the ball on their own nine-yard line. A defensive stand, and a mishap on the punt by UM-Morris, gave the Knights possession in the red zone. Three plays later Curtis found Ntense Obono in the end zone to give the Knights a 14-7 advantage with 3:51 remaining in the half.
 
Carleton's first drive of the second half ended in a turnover when the Cougars picked off a deflected pass. The Cougars took possession and began their drive at the Knights' 41-yard line. The home team's defense held strong once again, and a sack by the Knights' Luke Sugalski on fourth down led to a turnover on downs. Carleton took over on their own 39-yard line, and on the fifth play of the drive Curtis connected with Tyler Dimond on a deep pass down the left side of the field for a 54-yard touchdown. The Knights took a 21-7 lead with 8:39 to play in the third.
 
The Knights defense held the Cougars to just four first downs in their next three drives, one of those first downs coming on a successful fake punt. Late in the fourth quarter, a Carleton drive that began on the opponent's 48-yard line, took just 44 seconds for the Knights to find the end zone. Nathan Streiff was the recipient of a Curtis pass from 28 yards, giving them a 28-7 advantage.
 
Obono had eight catches on the day for 69 yards and a touchdown, his 23rd career touchdown reception to place him fifth all-time in Carleton history. Dimond had 103 yards on two receptions and a touchdown. Streiff's six receptions led to 91 yards and a touchdown.
 
The Knights defense held the Cougars to just 78 yards of passing offense, in part due to their six combined sacks. Henry Detmer and Eric Lail each had nine tackles on the day to lead the Knights. Lail also had an interception, along with Josiah Tusler.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton travels to Hamline University for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff in St. Paul, Minn. on Saturday, Sept. 28.