By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Wesleyan took advantage of two Millikin turnovers during a 17-point barrage in the final three minutes of the first half as the Titans cruised to a 31-6 win the Big Blue at Tucci Stadium to earn the Titans’ first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championship since 2009.
The win also marked the 200th of IWU coach Norm Eash’s career and helped him tie the record for CCIW wins (142) with his coach Don “Swede” Larson.
PODCAST: Listen to the postgame interviews with Eash and receiver Zach Walsh.
https://audioboom.com/posts/6480214-norm-eash-zach-walsh-iwu-football-11-11-17
Brandon Bauer connected with Zach Walsh on a 5-yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds left in the half following Trevor Staley’s 56-yard interception return. The Titans would recover a fumble on the next play from scrimmage, setting up Bauer’s 2-yard scoring strike to Morgan Alexander with 11 seconds left in the half.
Bauer completed 22 of 30 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Alexander rushed for 74 yards on 24 carries with one running score.
The No.11 Titans (9-1, 7-1) tie No. 4 North Central for the league title. The Cardinals secure the automatic bid to the 32-team NCAA playoff field. The Titans are likely to be on of the five at-large teams chosen for the postseason.
The NCAA Division III football pairings will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
