The Online Reflector

By Staci Reafsnyder
Sports Editor

The University of Indianapolis football team (5-1, 4-1 GLIAC) is preparing for the most crucial point in its schedule, playing two nationally-ranked teams.

On Saturday, the ‘Hounds rallied from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat Hillsdale College (4-2, 4-2), ranked no. 24 in the country, 34-30. Sophomore Tyran Fakes caught the winning pass with 17 seconds remaining. Fakes had six catches, 104 yards and two touchdowns in the contest.

Senior quarterback Casey Gillin threw four touchdowns and junior Eric Wright rushed for one.

Before the game, Gillin said he was looking forward to playing Hillsdale College.

“This [Hillsdale game] is really going to test our defense and offense. We know we’re going to have to put up some points,” Gillin said.

The ‘Hounds defeated the University of Findlay 34-3 on Sept. 29, and their conference record improved to 3-1. The ‘Hounds produced 29 first downs on offense, limited Findlay to seven on defense.

Gillian said that he felt confident going into the Hillsdale game because Findlay was such a great team that they had defeated

Sophomore Jace Morrison was named the Special Teams Player of the Week by the GLIAC, being the first ‘Hounds player of the season to win an award

“We’re all having fun. We trust each other, and we all play really well together,” said Wright. “We practice hard every day and we’re seeing the results and we’re putting in the work for it.”

Wright has five 100 yard games this season 645 yards rushing, 180 yards receiving, and eight touchdowns.

Even with injuries to key players, the team has leadership from 19 seniors and 12 juniors.

“We have great senior leadership, and they make the freshmen really comfortable here and make you feel a part of the team,” freshman Halston Love said.

Wright said UIndy has a more mature football team, with players who can step in and make the plays.

“The other teammates stepped up and have brought back another win,” Love said. Love was injured in the St. Josephs game and recently had surgery on his right foot. Love had 168 yards rushing, 35 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns against St. Joesph’s College before his injury.

In week five of the season, UIndy’s defense is ranked eighth in the NCAA Division II having allowed 223.2 yards per game, and a team rushing defense of 81.0 yards per game.

Gillin has 1287 passing yards, sophomore Stephen Geller has an average of 29.1 yards per kick off returns and in rushing yards, Wright has produced 107.5 rushing yards per game. Senior safety Kevin Shaw has 14 solo tackles and 28 assisted tackles.

The team travels to Allandale, Mich., to play the Division II national champions, Grand Valley State, on Oct. 13.