After the defense stepped up last week, it was all about the offense this week.

In a good ol’ fashioned shootout with the Carroll University Pioneers, the Big Blue proved victorious.

Millikin never trailed in the game.

The Big Blue struck first on a two yard rushing touchdown by freshman running back Jazontae Howard.

The Pioneers answered right back with the touchdown of their own.

The Carroll offense seemed to have an answer for the Big Blue throughout most of the ball game.

Both defenses seemed to stall.

But lucky for Millikin defensive coordinator David Szentesy, the offense didn’t.

Junior quarterback Nicco Stepina found his favorite target in sophomore receiver Jordan Smith for a 62 yard touchdown early in the ballgame.

Stepina hooked up with Smith for a total of three touchdowns on the day, as Carroll did not have an answer for Smith. But, they didn’t have an answer for Stepina as well, as he threw for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also ran for two scores.

Although Millikin’s offense rolled, Carroll kept pace with the Big Blue. They managed to put up 35 points.

At the half, Millikin led 28-21.

Early in the third, Millikin’s defense began to step up. The defensive line pressured the quarterback and forced him to overthrow his receivers. The defense also contained the running game junior defensive lineman Quintaz Wright forced a fumble. The Big Blue recovered the fumble, and the turnover led to another Millikin score.

Carroll still managed to keep it a close game throughout, and a late fumble by the Big Blue kept them in the game.

But the Big Blue pulled away in the fourth quarter. A couple more touchdowns and a pick six by freshman Israel Smith would put Millikin up for good, by a score of 56-35.

Offensive leaders included Stepina, Smith, and Howard. Smith ended the day with 139 yards three touchdowns. Howard finished the game with 168 yards and a touchdown.

Stepina and Smith have now connected for ten touchdowns on the season.

The Big Blue are now 6-1 on the season and 4-1 in conference play.

They are scheduled to head to Kenosha, Wisconsin for a matchup with Carthage College next Saturday. Kickoff scheduled for 1 pm.