THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Pacific Lutheran University football team got the job done on the ground on Saturday afternoon in southern California. The Lutes racked up 278 rushing yards, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt in a 27-17 victory over host California Lutheran University in the non-conference finale at William Rolland Stadium.

Jacob Schuh headlined the Lute ground game, racking up 120 yards on the ground on just 17 attempts while Darius Chaffin and Raysen Motoyama added a combined 141 yards in the 10-point victory. 

"We're proud of the way our guys bounced back this week with a good win on the road," said Head Coach Brant McAdams.

"Football is a game that starts up front and to see our offensive line pave the way for 278 rushing and our defensive line helped to hold them to less than three yards a rush is a great performance."
 
The Lutes (2-1) put points on the board on the opening drive, marching 66-yards on 10 plays before Cole Sargent booted a 19-yard field goal. A Jacob Schuh 30-yard scamper headlined that drive, putting PLU in the redzone at the Cal Lu 14-yard line. 
 
The host Kingsmen (0-2) retaliated late in the opening quarter, capitalizing on a Lute fumble and driving 51 yards on eight plays to snag a 7-3 lead. 
 
Lute quarterback Darius Chaffin made it 10-7 early in the second quarter, scampering 42 yards to the endzone. Cal Lu tied the game with a 31-yard field goal with 2:40 left until halftime but the visiting Lutes were able to take a lead into halftime after an 11-play, 58-yard drive set up Cole Sargent for a 31-yard field goal.
 
Raysen Motoyama scored twice in the second half to add some breathing room. The running back scored on a one-yard plunge to cap off a 13-play, 60-yard drive with 5:43 left in the third before charging in from seven yards out to wrap up a 54-yard, eight-play drive with 9:43 left in the game. 
 
Cal Lu added a touchdown midway through the fourth but wasn't able to come any closer as the Lutes secured the 10-point win and their second victory in California this season.

Schuh averaged 7.1 yards per rush on the day with 120 of the team's 278 rushing yards. Chaffin had 94 yards on the ground and a touchdown while also completing 12 of his 18 pass attempts. Motoyama had nine carries, scoring twice and finishing with 47 yards. 
 
Thor Stepina was the top receiving target with four catches on the day.
 
Davyn Waters led the team on defense with eight tackles, including five solo takedowns and one tackle for loss. Zachary Gable had six tackles and a fumble recovery while Colby Rhinelander had a forced fumble.

Sargent was dialed in on special teams, booting two field goals and all three of his extra point attempts. 

As a team, PLU outgained Cal Lu 363-245, including a 278-75 discrepancy in rushing yards. 
 
The Lutes take next week off before opening Northwest Conference play at home on Oct. 5, hosting defending champion Whitworth University for the annual homecoming game. Kickoff at Sparks Stadium is slated for 1 p.m.

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