ASHLAND — Chris Maloney knew all along he could make an impact.
Ashland’s true freshman tailback just needed an opportunity.
Maloney rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries as 18th-ranked Ashland clobbered No. 7 Minnesota Duluth 32-7 in the opening round of the Division II playoffs Saturday at Jack Miller Stadium.
The original plan was to red-shirt Maloney, a Cleveland Benedictine product. He didn’t make his collegiate debut until the fifth week of the season.
“At the beginning of the season I was observing a lot and getting a feel for the program,” Maloney said. “I’ve been patient and waited my turn.”
Maloney rushed for 91 yards on 12 carries in his first game, a 55-0 win at Kentucky Wesleyan on Oct. 4. He didn’t make another appearance until Week Eight, but carried the ball just once in a 30-27 overtime win at Tiffin.
He took over as the feature back on Nov. 1, rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-16 win over Walsh. He carried the ball 32 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season finale, setting the stage for Saturday.
“I know what I’m capable of, in all honesty,” Maloney said. “There’s great guys on the field … we play as one.”
Offensive Explosion
The Eagles (10-2) trailed 7-3 after the opening quarter when Maloney and the offense went to work. AU took its first lead when quarterback Cameron Blair hooked up with Jent Joseph on a 3-yard scoring strike on the first play of the second quarter. Blair’s 3-yard keeper gave Ashland a 17-7 lead with 9:30 to play in the opening half.
AU rushed for 101 yards in the first half. Blair carried the ball six times for 66 yards, while Maloney had 30 yards on seven carries.
“It’s definitely fun running behind those guys,” Maloney said of an offensive line that cleared the way for 245 rushing yards. “I was just trusting the blocking and the coaching that we go through throughout the week.”
Defensive Dominance
Ashland’s stingy defense limited a Duluth offense averaging 40.3 point per game to 247 total yards — 185.9 below its season average. AU forced four turnovers.
“We came out knowing we had to (force turnovers),” said safety Izzy Vasquez, who had six tackles and returned a block field goal 37 yards. “For them to have seven points, it’s thanks to those turnover and then our coaching.”
AU coach Doug Geiser agreed was quick to point out the work of longtime defensive coordinator Tim Rose.
“Tim is amazing. He’s probably forgot twice the amount of football that I’ll ever know,” Geiser said. “He’s in his 62nd year of coaching. There’s nothing he hasn’t seen.”
The bottom line is this, we’re still alive. And you just go out and shoot your shot
AU coach Doug Geiser
Up Next
Ashland will be on the road next week against No. 1 Ferris State. The Bulldogs beat Northwood 65-14 Saturday.
Ferris is the defending national champion and has won three of the past four Division II titles.
“It’s a formidable opponent, it’s the returning national champions,” Geiser said. “It’s a great opportunity. We’re looking at it as a great challenge for us.
“The bottom line is this, we’re still alive. And you just go out and shoot your shot.”
