BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – After opening the season in dramatic fashion with a come-from-behind, overtime win at Taylor, the Olivet Nazarene University football team will play in front of its home crowd for the first time this season when they host Madonna under the lights Saturday night at Ward Field. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
WHITE OUT AT WARD
Fans are encouraged to dress in white for Saturday's home-opener. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a free "White Out" t-shirt. Gates will open 90 minutes before kickoff at 5:30 p.m.
THE GAME
These two teams have faced off in each of the last two seasons, with the Tigers emerging victorious in both bouts. ONU routed Madonna 55-0 in Livonia, Mich., to open the 2023 campaign and handed the Crusaders a 42-15 loss at Ward Field last year.
This will be the season opener for Madonna. The Crusaders have not won a football contest in over four years, with their last win coming via forfeit against Trinity International on Sept. 4, 2021.
FOOTBALL & FIREWORKS
The ONU football team will be hosting a fireworks display after the game. The fireworks will be shot off from the Snowbarger Athletic Complex near the newly-minted Bahr Soccer Facility approximately 10 minutes after the game concludes. Fans will be ushered on to Ward Field to view the display.
WATCH AND FOLLOW ALONG
Legendary broadcaster and "Voice of the Tigers" Mike Knezevich will be on the call alongside Vince Gray live in the ONU Livestreaming Portal, produced by the ONU Media Services Department. Fans can also find live statistics at onutigers.com with live updates being posted on the official ONU Football Twitter/X page, @ONAZFootball.
FOOTBALL WEATHER
Temperatures for Saturday's home-opener call for a high of 67 degrees with a five percent chance and winds up to 12 miles-per-hour. The temperature around kickoff will be approximately 62 degrees.
DHUE-REID DAZZLES
Christian Dhue-Reid was superb in the season-opening win over Taylor. The senior quarterback went 19-for-29 for 322 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime. Dhue-Reid also scampered into the endzone for a rushing touchdown and a pair of two-point conversions.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase tickets online at the ONU Ticketing Site. Online adult tickets will cost $10, children & seniors will be $7 each. Tickets will also be available to purchase with cash at the gate at an increased rate of $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.
--ONU—
*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu