ST. PAUL, Minn. — Macalester matched up with Cornell (Ia.) for the first time in the history of the program, and in a battle featuring five lead changes, the Scots came out on top 24-20 to even their record at 1-1.

Macalester's defense allowed just one touchdown and after Cornell's 69-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, did a good job shutting down the Rams (0-2). That came against a Cornell team which gained substantial passing yardage last weekend against nationally-ranked North Central (Ill.).

"I was really proud of the passion our young men played with tonight," said Macalester head coach Tony Jennison. "We played without our two best defensive linemen, and our starting tight end, who is a great player for us, and our starting QB had an injury in the first half and did not return. Our players battled against a skilled and well-coached team, and never gave up. This win is certainly one our young team will build on."

The Scots allowed just a field goal in the second half. The Scots enjoyed a 3-1 turnover advantage and received interceptions from Reid Callahan and Zach Englert . Nate Sands led the team with nine tackles, while Brandon Murphy registered a couple QB sacks. Mac held Cornell to a 4-for-15 mark on third- and fourth-down conversions.

"I was really proud of our defense for stepping up the way they did," commented Jennison. "Marshall Mullenbach, our defensive coordinator, called a great game and our young men went out and made plays."

Trevor Mieheextended his school-record career touchdown passing mark with his 35th in the first half and Clark Bledsoe, replacing the injured Miehe, tossed a 52-yard bomb to Mike Snavely early in the second half to give Mac the lead for good. Jake McDonnell led the rushing attack with 13 carries for 58 yards.

Macalester led 14-13 in first downs and 249-237 in total yards. The Scots extended their lead to four points with a 40-yard field goal by Auburn Jimenez early in the fourth quarter.

Following a big fourth quarter sack by Jason Schrad, the Scots ran the final 5:09 off the clock, not giving the Rams another shot to win.

Macalester hosts Maranatha Baptist next Saturday (Sept. 18) at 1 p.m.