It wasn’t a perfect game for the Ashland University football team on Saturday. Travis Tarnowski threw two interceptions, including a momentum shifting pick six, Aiden Simenc missed an extra point and the defense allowed the Ohio Dominican offense to move the ball.

But in front of their home fans, AU made the plays it needed to pull out the victory. Tarnowski hit on 16 of 27 passes for 292 yards and helped orchestrate several impressive touchdown drives. 

The young offensive line opened running lanes for tailback Vance Settlemire to tally 152 yards on the ground in his return from injury. And the AU defense stood tall in the second half, forcing stops and turnovers in key spots to seal the 27-24 victory over ODU. 

It was AU’s first ever victory against Ohio Dominican at Jack Miller Stadium in likely their last meeting in Ashland, as ODU departs for the GMAC in 2017. AU was looking for revenge after dropping a 38-20 decision in Columbus last season. 

AU finished 2014 8-2, missing out on the division two playoffs in part due to the loss versus ODU. Now in 2015, AU has sent the Panthers into a tail spin with a 1-2 record and put a huge dent into their playoff chances. AU on the other hand is 3-0 with a rivalry matchup versus Findlay in Ashland on the docket this week. 

After missing out on the playoffs last season, AU looks like a team prepared to make a deep run in 2015. The past two wins have been perfect examples of why. 

Two weeks ago the Eagles took the field in Canton against a Walsh team they were expected to roll over. AU trailed 10-0 in the second quarter and needed overtime to survive against the Cavaliers.  AU committed eight penalties in the contest and the offensive line allowed four sacks and averaged 2.4 yards per rush.

AU did not look good for long stretches against Walsh. But the Eagles made enough plays down the stretch to overcome a feisty Walsh team and their lackluster performance. Championship teams have to win games on the road when they don’t play their best. AU did that.

Last season AU rolled by an average of 32 points per game at home. They weren’t as battle tested as other teams, and that could be why they faltered down the stretch against Michigan Tech and missed the division two playoffs. 

AU won’t have that problem in 2015. ODU kicks off a difficult home schedule that features rivals Findlay and Hillsdale, alongside powerhouses Michigan Tech and Grand Valley State. 

But based on the way AU played against the Panthers, they look to be up to the challenge. Tarnowski is showing no signs of a sophomore slump, and is finding ways to get multiple weapons involved in the offense, including explosive tight end Adam Shaheen and speedy wide receiver Stewart Turner. 

The inexperienced offensive line looks to be gaining confidence and allowing Tarnwoski time to locate targets and wide running lanes for Settlemire.

And the defense looks to be among the best in the GLIAC. The defensive line, anchored by Chase Hoobler has received great play for nose tackle Brandon Ehlinger. The sophomore had two sacks in the win vs. ODU. 

The linebackers received strong performance from Davion Barrow, who picked off an ODU pass. And the defensive secondary looks to be rock solid with new comers Terrel Hudson and Dale Irby gelling well with returners James Ester and Donzale Ashley. 

All this adds up for a team on paper that looks to among the best in division two. The latest polls have the Eagles spotted at number 13. But none of that will matter when AU takes on Findlay Saturday. 

It could very well be the last time these two longtime rivals face off on the gridiron in Ashland. Emotions will be running high when kickoff approaches at 7 p.m. But once that game kicks off it will be up to the Eagles to deliver another championship performance and drill the Oilers.