WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll University faced a monumental challenge on Saturday, hosting top-ranked North Central at Schneider Stadium. The Cardinals showed why they are the nation's No. 1 team, rolling to a 64–7 victory behind a balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense.

North Central (8–0, 7–0 CCIW) wasted no time asserting control, scoring touchdowns on its first four possessions to build a 28–0 lead after one quarter. Quarterback Garret Wilson was nearly perfect, completing 11 of 12 passes for 189 yards and four touchdowns, including strikes of 39 and 33 yards. Running back Donovan McNeal powered the ground game with 125 yards and two scores as the Cardinals amassed 488 total yards and converted all six red-zone chances.

Carroll (3–5, 3–4 CCIW) struggled to sustain drives early, finishing with 186 yards of offense and just 51 on the ground. The Pioneers' highlight came late in the third quarter when quarterback Charlie King connected with Daniel White for a 35-yard touchdown, capping a five-play, 75-yard drive. White was a bright spot, totaling 172 all-purpose yards, including 137 on kickoff returns. Reed Breckheimer added five catches for 85 yards, including a 52-yard reception that set up Carroll's lone score.

Defensively, Drake Emanuel led Carroll with 10 tackles, while Evan Griffiths and Clayton Huber each recorded sacks. Despite those efforts, North Central's depth and special teams proved decisive, adding a punt return touchdown and a pick-six. Kicker Aidan Ellison contributed three field goals to round out the scoring.

Carroll will look to regroup as it closes the regular season on the road the next two Saturdays, first with a trip to Bloomington next weekend to take on Illinois Wesleyan, as they aim to finish strong after facing one of the most dominant programs in Division III football.