Dragons blast past Cavaliers 56-16

Tiffin University had a big first half against Walsh.
Tiffin University had a big first half against Walsh.

It was all over in the first half for the Dragons, as TU (8-2, 5-1 GMAC) blasted past Walsh 56-16.

The win sets up a battle for first place next week at Findlay, as the Oilers kicked a last second field goal against Ashland to win 20-17. TU and Findlay will battle for the GMAC title Nov. 13 at 12 pm.

The Dragons posted 42 first half points against the Cavaliers, including 28 points in the opening quarter.

TU scored on their third offensive play of the game, as Reggie Colson hauled in a 41 yard scoring strike from Nick Watson to make it 7-0 at the 13:15 mark.

After Kevin Hyde picked off a Walsh pass and returned it 20 yards, the Dragons scored after five more plays, with Darius Pinnix rumbling in from 3 yards out at 10:10 to make it 14-0.

After a Walsh 38 yard field goal, TU hit another big play, as Anthony Lowe caught a 54 yard touchdown reception from Watson to make it 21-3 with 4:31 left in the first. 

TU forced another turnover on Walsh's next possession, with Tyler Richardson recovering the fumble and leading to an 8 yard TD run by Pinnix that closed the first quarter scoring with TU up 28-3.

Pinnix scored his third TD of the day after a short catch and a dashing 62 yard scamper to the end zone that pushed TU's lead to 35-3 with 6:39 left in the half. 

TU put another big play on the board to end its first half scoring, with James Dean grabbing a pass and streaking 62 yards to make it 42-3 at halftime.

TU outgained Walsh in the half 352-83, including 297-89 through the air. TU posted 2 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble while holding Walsh to -6 yards rushing.

The big plays continued in the second half with the Dragons playing many of their bench players. Devin Nelson took TU's second play in the second half and blasted up the middle for a 69 yard TD run just 44 seconds into the half to make it 49-3. TU finished its scoring with 1:02 on the clock when Franklin Steward rushed around right end on a 27 yard run.

Overall it was all Dragons, as they outgained Walsh 556-262. They outrushed Walsh 217-46 and held the Cavaliers to just 3 of 15 on third downs.

Watson had a huge half, completing 12 of 15 passes for 297 yards and 5 touchdowns in 30 minutes. Lowe had 4 catches for 87 yards, Pinnix had 70 yards receiving and 33 rushing for 103 all purpose yards, Dean had 62 yards and Colson added 53 more. Nelson rushed 10 times for 86 yards, while Marcus Davis added 39 more rushing yards.

Defensively Jesse Connell had 7 tackles while Montez Kelley and Jesse Johnson added 5 apiece. Jacob Mertus and Charlie Cleveland had sacks while Hyde added an interception.