WashU running back Kenneth Hamilton scored two touchdowns in the Bears’ 54-7 win over Millikin last year. (Photo: Cedric Williams)
Washington University Football – Gameday Info
Game No. 2 – WashU (1-0) at Millikin (0-1)
Date/Time – September 16, 2023 – 1 pm
Location – Frank M. Lindsay Field — Decatur, IL
Broadcast – Big Blue Live
Live Stats – Millikin Big Blue Live Stats
Steven Millbrook
Staff Writer
DECATUR, IL — After enjoying a fun and exciting 44-27 win in its season opener at Hendrix two weeks ago, the Washington University football team will be back in action on Saturday, to play its College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) opener against longtime foe Millikin University.
WashU put up 397 yards of total offense (120 rushing, 277 passing) and scored six touchdowns, while Millikin lost its season opener, 31-0 against Illinois College.
The Big Blue struggled to move the ball and were limited to just 110 yards of total offense.
Players to Watch: QB Matt Rush led the Bears in the opener with 15 completions on 23 passes for 277 yards, four touchdown passes, and a touchdown run. RB Kenneth Hamilton led the WashU rushing attack with 63 yards on 10 carries. Collin Goldberg was the leading receiver with 95 yards on five catches and a touchdown.
Defensively, Andrew Dotson had nine total tackles (7 solo, 2 assists) and Salomon Dessalines added eight (3 solo, 5 assists), along with an interception, which he returned for a touchdown.
The Millikin defense was led by Wasiu Lawal with 10 tackles. Sean Steele had nine tackles with one interception. Christopher Montgomery had seven tackles, including three tackles for a loss.
Last Year’s Game: WashU controlled the action throughout, before finishing off a 54-7 win. The Bears jumped out to a 22-0 lead at the end of the first quarter with a 30-yard interception returned for a touchdown, a safety, and two offensive touchdowns. WashU would get on the board twice more and led 36-0 before Millikin strung together an eight play, 75-yard drive in the second quarter to finally get on the board.
WashU added another safety, two more touchdowns, and a field goal to close out the game. WashU posted 391 yards of total offense, with 290 of those coming in the air. The Bears were led by Rush, who threw three touchdowns. and Hamilton, who rushed for two scores of his own.
Up Next: The Bears will be at home next week for their home opener with another CCIW contest. This time, they’ll be playing Carthage College at Francis Olympic Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
2023 WashU Bears Football Schedule
| Date | Time | At | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 16, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Away | Millikin University | Decatur, Ill. |
| September 23, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | Carthage College | Francis Olympic Field |
| September 30, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | North Park University | Francis Olympic Field |
| October 7, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Away | Illinois Wesleyan University | Bloomington, Ill. |
| October 14, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | Augustana College | Francis Olympic Field |
| October 21, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Away | North Central College | Naperville, Ill. |
| October 28, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Home | Elmhurst University | Francis Olympic Field |
| November 4, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Away | Wheaton College | Wheaton, Ill. |
| November 11, 2023 | 12 p.m. | Home | Carroll University | Francis Olympic Field |