Millikin is hosting the 5-2 Washington University in St. Louis after losing five games straight. Millikin is in a must-win spot, as they are not looking to extend the losing streak any further and want to finish the rest of the season on a high note.
The Big Blue came off a rough loss; the offense failed to score and totaled only 85 yards of total offense.
“Offensively, we didn’t get it done; it was one of the worst performances I’ve been a part of,” Head Coach Billy Riebock said.
Millikin was unable to find an answer to the pass rush, which was a nightmare for the team. Pass blocking was a huge focus during practice as they prepared for WashU.
“We have to give our quarterback time to throw the ball, and we have to block them; we have to protect,” Riebock said. “They had an excellent defensive line that created some issues for us. We tried multiple things to try and correct it, but at the end of the day, the 1-1 matchups were more in their favor.”
While the offense struggled, Millikin’s Defense performed at an elite level, playing one of its best games of the season. This is something that noticeably hurt morale for the Big Blue as the game continued.
“I feel like that first half we didn’t break; they were driving and driving, but we never broke as a team and a defense; everyone was flying to the ball,” Linebacker Alex Araiza said. That second half, you hear ‘punt,’ and you’re on the field again and again and again, and you see a big donut from your offense, and it’s a little demoralizing.”
The Defense shared some of the confusion about the game as they discussed overall improvement and what preparation for the WashU game will look like.
“I’m struggling to understand what’s going on,” Defensive Back Zyon Turner said. “On the defensive side of the ball, we should be straight, but on the offensive side of the ball, they should be progressing and trying to get better in practice.”
Overall, the game had some highlights, as Linebacker Ryan Baskerville scored his first touchdown since high school.
“It felt really good, I’m not going to lie, because I’ve been wanting one for a long time,” Baskerville said. “The last time I had a pick six was in high school, so it was fun.”
Overall, Millikin is still searching for that win to break the losing streak but remains confident in one another to compete and win.
Rieboock also shares his confidence in the team, which is very young, and hopes the players are using their experience to help build the future of Millikin football.
“They’re playing with seniors, and we’re playing with younger guys, so I’m hopeful and expecting a better performance this week, but we’re going through our growing pains,” Riebock said.
Riebock also expresses his love for the fans and gives off his signature score predictions as well.
“Hopefully, like I say, Millikin by 1,” he said. “[I] can’t thank the fans enough. We had a good group out at Carthage with their support. And this team is working hard for them and will represent them the right way, and I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but we’re going to knock this thing down, and when it dies, it will be fun.”
Millikin hosts Washington University this Saturday at 1:00 PM, a pink-out game for all Big Blue supporters as we spread awareness for breast cancer.
