Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
RIVER FOREST, Ill. --- The Concordia University Chicago football team opened the 2022 season on Saturday afternoon against the University of Chicago Maroons. The first half proved to be a defensive battle, with Chicago leading just 14-7 going into the half. CUC continued to battle, but a 13-point fourth quarter Chicago was enough to spoil the home opener for CUC 34-14.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The CUC defense recorded six tackles for loss in the game, including four sacks.
- DeAndre Daniels led the offense with 127 all-purpose yards and one rushing touchdown.
- Finnian Allers was 14-26 throwing the ball for 133 yards. He also rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown.
- Cleveland Tucker led the defense with 11 total tackles on the day.
- Brandon Arredondo recorded eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and one QB hurry.
The University of Chicago received the opening kickoff and found themselves pinned deep in their own territory after a near-perfect kick from Ryan Auer. The Maroons were able to pick up one first down on the drive, but the CUC defense was able to tighten up, getting a sack from Marquis Overstreet to stop the Chicago drive. The defenses continued to dominate the opening quarter, as six straight punts followed the opening possession of the game.
Chicago finally broke through late in the opening quarter. After an initial touchdown was brought back for holding, the Maroons were able to find the end zone two plays later on a 43-yard rush by Nick D'Ambrose.
The Concordia offense got things going early in the second quarter. After the first two plays of the drive netted just two yards, a big nine-yard run by Daniels moved the chains for CUC. An Allers completion to Devin Bledsoe followed to keep the chains moving, two plays later Daniels ripped off a 54-yard run off the right side to the end zone. Auer then tied the game at seven with the extra point.
Chicago was able to answer back on the following drive, needing six plays to cover 68 yards to take the lead back at 14-7. CUC threatened to tie the game on the following drive, but the Cougars were unable to convert on a fourth and one on the Chicago 22-yard line to keep the drive alive.
CUC grabbed momentum to open the second half. The Cougars went on a long 13-play drive that took over six minutes. The CUC rushing attack was in full display throughout the drive, with Allers capping off the drive with a four-yard rush on fourth and goal for the touchdown. Auer then followed with the extra point to knot the game at 14.
Much like the first CUC touchdown, Chicago was able to answer right back. The Maroons needed 10 plays to go 52 yards to grab the lead back. Chicago continued to build on the momentum in the fourth, scoring 13 unanswered points to down the Cougars 34-14.
The Cougars will continue their three-game homestand to open the 2022 season on Saturday, September 10 against Finlandia University. Opening kickoff is set for 12:00 pm from Concordia Stadium. You can find links to coverage at cucougars.com/coverage. You can also keep up with the team on Twitter and Instagram @CUCFBFamily.