Game Notes at North Central (Ill.)

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll's football team is coming off their first defeat of the 2023 season, a 23-19 loss at Augustana (Ill.) last weekend. They will try to rebound on Saturday against arguably their toughest opponent of the season in defending National Champion and #1-ranked North Central College.

"We played a hard-fought game last week, but Augie played well. We had opportunities, but unfortunately committed some costly penalties, and we had the ball in our hands with a chance to win the game on the final drive, but we didn't execute," Carroll Head Football Coach Mike Budziszewski said. "It was a tough loss, but we'll learn from our mistakes and be a better team moving forward."

This Saturday's game will be the 57th all-time meeting between Carroll and North Central. Carroll leads the all-time series 31-23-2, but North Central has won the last eight meetings, scoring at least 59 points in each of the last five.

"They're the number one team in the country for a reason and there's no getting around that. They're a very well coached team that is big, fast, strong, and physical," Budziszewski said. "We need to focus on what we do well and improve our game going into this weekend. We're trying to set ourselves up to finish the season the way we want."

Despite last week's loss, Carroll (3-1, 2-1 CCIW) still ranks among Division-III's leaders in several categories. The Pios' offense is averaging 45.2 points per game, which is 14th in the nation, while their 485.5 total offensive yards per game ranks 20th.

Senior quarterback Josh Raby has recorded three consecutive 300-yard games, as Carroll's passing offense ranks 13th in the country at 329.8 yards per game. The Pioneers' Third Down Pct. also has excelled all season, leading the CCIW at 52.4 percent.

Raby also ranks 36th in D-III in yards per attempt (19.5), with a big reason for that being the play of his top wideout and fellow senior Austin Eichstaedt, who is currently on pace to break Carroll's single season receiving yardage record. A native of Cudahy, Wis., Eichstaedt leads the CCIW and ranks in the top 10 in the country in receiving yards (616), receiving yards per game (154.0), and receptions per game (8.0), while catching four touchdowns on the year. He also blocked a punt last week, which led to three points.

"Austin is playing at a different level right now. Josh trusts him and he's doing a great job catching the ball and gaining a lot of yards after the catch," Budziszewski said. "He's also helping us on special teams, so we're looking forward to seeing him continue to help our team win football games."

Defensively, Carroll has also made a lot of big plays on the year, ranking eighth nationally in interceptions (8) and 15th in sacks per game (3.25). The Pioneers are allowing 20 points per game and just 50 rushing yards per game, which is the ninth-lowest average in the nation.

That defense will have its work cut out for them this weekend when they'll face a North Central offense that is averaging the third-most points in D-III (56.0 ppg) and the second-most rushing yards in the country (313.5 ypg). The Cardinals (4-0, 3-0 CCIW) are also adept at throwing the ball, leading the nation in passing efficiency (251.70).

Leading North Central's rushing attack is Running Back Joe Sacco, who currently is first in the nation in yards per carry (11.5), while ranking ninth in rushing touchdowns with seven, which leads the CCIW. They also have turned the ball over just twice this season and are one of nine Division-III teams that have yet to throw an interception.

"We will just need to focus on what we do well and control what we can control," Budziszewski said. "At the same time, we will not back down from any opponent."

Saturday's game will double as North Central's annual homecoming contest. It will kickoff at 6 p.m. from Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville, Ill.

"A win for us this weekend would be game-changing, but we'll have to go out there and play the perfect game and capitalize on any mistakes they make," Budziszewski said. "I'm looking forward to a good football game, and if we come out on top, it would be an awesome win for us."