A fourth quarter lightning delay with AU leading Benedictine University 35-30 was an eery precursor to what would come as the Spartans fell to the visitors 36-35. The loss marks the first Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference loss for AU in 47 games with the streak beginning in 2018.


FINAL SCORE: Benedictine University 36, Aurora University 35
LOCATION: Vago Field - Aurora, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-2 overall and 0-1 NACC
GAME TIME: 3:39
ATTENDANCE: 1,047


- After Tyler Adkins was sacked on the first play of the game, he found Trey Urwiler on a quick slant and Urwiler gashed the BU defense for an 81-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
- The teams traded possessions with an errant snap over Adkins head on the AU possession resulting in a BU fumble recovery.
- Late in the first quarter, Adkins and the offense marched 62-yards in six plays with Urwiler putting on several jukes to score from 10-yards out and a 14-0 AU lead.
- BU worked to control the clock despite being down 14 points and the second quarter saw just three possessions with only one for the Spartans.
- Benedictine scored on both of their possessions and heading to halftime the score was tied 14-14.
- The third quarter was wild with the AU defense forcing a three and out to start.
- AU marched right down field in six plays covering 51 yards as TJ Ramsey scored for a 21-14 lead.
- BU then milked off 5:27 of clock and appeared to score but the receiver had gone out of bounds and they had to settle for a field goal.
- On the first play of the ensuing drive, Adkins hit Connor Bright who sprinted 78-yards to the house and AU led 28-17.
- Another three-and-out from the AU defense gave AU the ball back and they scored in just four plays this time.
- Adkins and Bright connected again, this time for 36 yards and AU now led 35-17 with the game heading to the fourth.
- On the second play of the fourth, BU scored on a long touchdown catch and run to cut the AU lead to 35-24.
- The turnover bug struck AU once again on the second play of the following drive, deep in their own territory. Adkins pass over the middle found a BU defender and the return into the endzone was negated by an illegal block.
- Three plays later BU scored and a missed extra point gave AU a 35-30 lead.
- The Spartans regrouped and used a 12-play drive to drive 47-yards but had to settle for a field goal chance to go ahead eight. 
- The 35-yard try missed wide left giving BU the ball back with 6:45 remaining.
- Before the drive would start, lightning in the area forced a nearly hour stoppage of play.
- When the teams returned to the field marched 80-yards in eight plays while eating up 4:38 of game clock. The touchdown score but missed two-point try gave the visitors the 36-35 lead.
- AU had 2:07 to try and win the game but a fourth down inadvertent snap (the second of the day) resulted in a turnover on downs and allowed the visitors to seal the game with a kneel down.


Rushing:
 - Carries: TJ Ramsey (8)
 - Yards: TJ Ramsey (35)
 - Touchdowns: TJ Ramsey (1)
Passing:
- Tyler Adkins (17-27-1 for 401 yards and four touchdowns)
Receiving:
 - Catches: Connor Bright (10) and Trey Urwiler (7)
 - Yards: Connor Bright (164) and Trey Urwiler (145)
 - Touchdowns: Connor Bright and Trey Urwiler (2)
Defense:
- Tackles: Tavian Dennis (9) and JP Chaney (8)
 

Next action for the Spartan football team comes on Saturday, September 27 when they travel to Eureka College. Kick-off is slated for 6:00 p.m. in Eueka, Illinois.