The Raiders and Crusaders both fumbled on their first play from scrimmage. Linebacker Matt Heagen jumped on the loose ball for Capital followed by defensive tackle Pat McCullough recovering a fumble for the Purple and White. The two early miscues were the only turnovers in the contest.

Midway through the first quarter, the Crusaders had the first scoring opportunity of the game as kicker Matt Spitz narrowly missed a 50-yard field goal attempt.

The first quarter, which also featured a 70 punt by Capital’s Tom Gantner, ended with a scoreless tie. This was the first time the Raiders did not score in the first quarter since the National Championship game of 2006.

The Raiders opened up the second stanza in Crusader territory as defensive lineman Matt Williamson partially blocked a punt to give Mount Union excellent field position. The Raiders needed just six plays ending in a four yard touchdown run by running back Nate Kmic. Mike Zimmerman’s PAT made it 7-0 Raiders with 10:32 left on the clock.

After another Capital punt, the Raiders marched 61 yards for their second score – set up by a fourth and six conversion from the Crusader 36 yard line. Raider quarterback Greg Micheli found wide receiver/running back Justin Wray on a 17 yard hook up which was immediately followed by a Kmic 19 yard touchdown scamper. The PAT gave the Raiders a 14-0 edge with 7:06 remaining in the second quarter.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, Williamson recorded his second blocked punt of the game, as the ball rolled into the back of the end zone for a safety to give the Raiders the 16-0 advantage.

Mount Union struck again at the 2:22 mark when Micheli found wide receiver Pierre Garcon for a 23 yard touchdown strike.

The Purple Raiders, who have outscored their opponents 331-3 in the first half this season, took a 23-0 advantage into halftime. Mount Union had 180 yards of offense at the break while Capital had 44 total yards.

The third quarter was highlighted by Kmic’s third rushing score of the game – an eight-yard run with 1:07 to play in the period. The score was set up by a Wray’s 37 yard punt return. Kmic’s touchdown also tied running back Chuck Moore’s (1998-01) Mount Union record of 62 rushing scores. Kmic also moved into third place all-time among OAC rushers.

The Purple Raiders led 30-0 after three quarters of play.

Running back Trevor Bruney added a two-yard touchdown run with just 4:02 remaining in the contest to make the final score 37-0 Mount Union.

The Raiders finished with a season-low 284 yards of total offense compared to 92 yards for Capital. Both teams turned the ball over once.

The shutout was Mount Union’s fifth of the season and fourth consecutive. The Raiders defense has not allowed a point in 18 consecutive quarters of play. This is the first time in the modern era (post WWII) the Raiders have posted four consecutive shutouts. In 1909, the Raiders posted six consecutive shutouts. This is also the first time Capital was shutout since 1999.

The NCAA Division III record for shutouts in a season is six – set by Mount Union in 2003.

“The two blocked punt was the difference – forcing us to fall behind early,” noted Capital Head Coach Jim Collins. “Mount Union has tremendous depth. They wear you down with their personnel. However, I felt our defense tackled well and carried us.”

Kmic finished with a season-high 36 carries for 114 yards – his 19th career 100 yard game. Micheli was 11-of-19 for 118 yards and one score. Garcon had a game-high five grabs for 64 yards and one touchdown. Defensively for the Raiders, along with Williamson’s two blocked punts, McCullough finished with a team-best nine hits, four tackles for loss, two sacks and one fumble recovery.

“Obviously, our special teams played very well - especially in that second quarter,” said Raider Head Coach Larry Kehres. “That was key in changing momentum and giving us excellent field position.”

The Purple Raiders have now won 65 consecutive road games dating back to 1994 and 31 straight wins overall.

Mount Union next travels to University Heights, Ohio to take on John Carroll University on Saturday, November 3. Kick-off from Don Shula Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m.

Box Score