Donegan, defense lead Titans to comeback win

Posted on September 10, 2016

Norm Eash’s Titans won their season opener over Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday. (Photo courtesy iwusports.com)

By Eric Stock

LINCOLN, Neb. – Jack Donegan threw two second half touchdowns in his first official collegiate start while the Titans defense took advantage of a hobbled quarterback in Illinois Wesleyan’s 17-13 season opening win over Nebraska Wesleyan at Abel Stadium.

Donegan connected with Austin Wagner in the end zone on an 8-yard strike early in the third quarter after IWU went to halftime trailing 13-3.

PODCAST: Listen to WJBC”s postgame interview with IWU coach Norm Eash.

Prairie Wolves quarterback Ben Green was hit late in the second quarter and briefly left the game with an apparent knee injury. He returned but his ability to run and pass effectively were limited. NWU was held to 46 yards in the second half after gaining 218 in the first half.

Donegan’s 12-yard scoring pass on a fade to Austin Harrell on the first play of the fourth quarter put IWU on top for good.

Donegan completed 19 of 28 passes for 218 yards. Wagner finished with a team-high five receptions and 36 yards. Maurice Shoemaker-Gilmore helped the Titans burn the final five minutes of the clock with a series of first down runs. He finished with 120 rushing yards on 25 carries.

The Titans open play in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin next Saturday vs. No. 9 North Central.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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