Coming off a bye week and a solid win two weeks ago, the Oberlin football team fell to the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Sept. 24 by a score of 45-13. The Rose-Hulman Engineers used a two-pronged running attack that the Yeomen could not seem to stop.

Oberlin was completely dominated on the ground. Rose-Hulman’s rushing game racked up over 200 more yards than Oberlin’s.

Tailback Charlie Key and quarterback Cameron Hummel led the Engineers’ running game. Each rushed for over 80 yards. Hummel averaged nearly 11 yards per carry, with a touchdown to boot. Meanwhile, Key got into the end zone five times. Altogether, Rose-Hulman rushed for 248 yards.

The Engineers’ passing attack was just as effective, as Rose-Hulman threw for 239 yards. While Oberlin was unable to run with Rose-Hulman, they overtook them in the air, throwing for 250 yards.

Oberlin’s three turnovers aside, the Yeomen were done in by their inability to stop the big play.

“Coach Stillman actually called a great game,” said sophomore Geoff Sirockman. “His scheme had us in great position to make plays. We just didn’t make tackles. The result was big plays.”

Oberlin gave up 28 points and 252 yards on Rose-Hulman’s first 16 plays from scrimmage. After falling behind by 28, Oberlin finally got on the board with a one-yard touchdown run by sophomore Andy Stein. Rose-Hulman scored again before the end of the half, which ended with Oberlin down 35-7.

Oberlin played a much more competitive game in the second half. The Yeomen were able to prevent the big play and limited the Engineers to just 10 points. Oberlin was also able to grab another touchdown in the fourth on a 26-yard pass by first-year Greg Mangan that was caught by first-year Mike Loll.

Oberlin enters NCAC conference play this week looking to rebound from this tough loss. The Yeomen will play home on Oct. 1., at 1 p.m., against Kenyon College.