By Ben Risinger, Sports Information Director
September 25, 2004

ADRIAN, Mich. - The Bluffton University football team (2-2) were defeated 30-3 by Adrian College (3-0) on Saturday afternoon at Maple Stadium.

The Beavers had a difficult time containing the Bulldog offense as Adrian posted 487 total yards of offense (204 rushing, 283 passing) to the Beavers 109 total yards (91 rushing, 18 passing). Bluffton's lone score came from kicker Seth Burkholder (Pandora/Bluffton) when he booted in a 29-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Burkholder's field goal would tie the game at 3-3 early in the contest, but Adrian would post five more scores for the final of 30-3.

The Bulldogs controlled the ball for 37:09 minutes, nearly 15 more minutes than Bluffton at 22:51. Bluffton won the penalty battle by committing only two penalties for fourteen yards. Adrian posted 12 penalties for 90 yards in the game.

Quarterback Tim Koontz (Goshen, Ind./Concord) connected on three completions for 18 yards in the air. The junior also had 10 rushes for 30 yards on the ground. Junior tailback Ben Dodds (West Liberty/Bellefontaine) had 12 carries for 31 yards to lead the rushing attack. Freshman Sam McCullough (Bluffton/Bluffton) led the defensive effort with 18 tackles (11 solo, 7 assisted), one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. Senior Scott Steiner (Berne, Ind./South Adams) also helped lead the defense with 15 tackles (10 solo, 5 assisted) in the game.

Bluffton University will be back at home next Saturday, October 2 for homecoming. The Beavers will face Manchester College for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.