Patrick Johnson

Tyson Vogel

The College of Wooster defense came up with six takeaways and the offense scored one touchdown during each quarter en route to a convincing 28-13 victory over Allegheny College in the teams' North Coast Athletic Conference opener at a rainy and windy Frank B. Fuhrer Field in Meadville, Pa., on Saturday night.

The six takeaways were the most by the Fighting Scots since also creating six turnovers at Ohio Wesleyan University on Sept. 25, 2010.

Wooster (1-1, 1-0 NCAC) set the tone early, as Patrick Johnson ripped the ball from an Allegheny (0-2, 0-1 NCAC) ball carrier and recovered the fumble himself on the first possession of the game, giving the offense possession in Gators' territory.

David Smith directed the Scots down the field 46 yards in 10 plays, as he ran once for 14 yards and completed 3-of-4 passes for 15 yards, including a four-yard touchdown to Tyson Vogel. It was both the first career touchdown pass for the senior quarterback and the first career score for the junior wide receiver.

Wooster had an opportunity to pad its 7-0 lead in the first quarter, moving 45 yards inside the Allegheny 30, but settled for a 42-yard field goal that was wide left.

Early in the second quarter, the Gators fumbled again, this time forced and recovered by defensive tackle Riley Markko. The offense didn't take advantage, but it got another opportunity later in the quarter when Stephen McKinney strip-sacked the Allegheny quarterback, with Derrick Florence II recovering the fumble at the 27.

Five plays later, the Scots were in the end zone, courtesy of another Smith-to-Vogel connection, this time from 23 yards away, and it was 14-0 at halftime.

Wooster extended the lead to 21-0 the second time it gained possession in the third quarter, grinding out a 15-play, 74-yard drive, capped by a five-yard Russell Boston touchdown run. It marked the first collegiate touchdown for the freshman running back.

The Scots' shutout bid ended early in the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to a mishandled snap on a punt as the Gators took over on the 14-yard line. They scored on the ensuing play, a Jon Nigro pass to John McFarland.

Wooster sealed the outcome later in the fourth when, after a Johnson interception, Boston broke loose two plays later for a 35-yard touchdown.

Allegheny tacked on a late score for the final 15-point margin.

Statistically, the Scots outgained the home team 350-215, but it was their plus-five advantage in turnover margin that made the biggest difference.

Smith was an efficient 15-of-26 for 100 passing yards with the two touchdowns, and Vogel was his top target throughout as they connected eight times for 70 yards.

Freshman running back Antoinio Bailey reached the 100-yard mark for the first time on 22 carries, while Boston complemented him with 95 yards and the two scores.

In addition to Johnson's two takeaways and the two aforementioned fumble recoveries, Adam Coppock had an interception and Keith Lemke recovered a fumble. Also of note, McKinney and Aaron Roberson collected 2.0 sacks apiece.

Wooster will be out-of-state again next Saturday, this time traveling to Greencastle, Ind., where it will face DePauw University (1-0, 0-0 NCAC).