JCU triumphs over Wittenberg: The big duel against DePauw is coming up!
John Carroll defeated Wittenberg 44-7 on October 11, 2025, preparing for important showdown against DePauw.

JCU triumphs over Wittenberg: The big duel against DePauw is coming up!
The 2025 football season offers fans exciting duels, especially in the NCAA area. On October 11th, a thrilling match saw a clear victory for John Carroll University (JCU), defeating Wittenberg University 44-7. This result has plenty to talk about as JCU will now face four-time NCAC champions DePauw, currently ranked No. 12, on October 18th. This matchup with the No. 15 seeds will be for NCAC supremacy, a battle of great importance to both the players and the fans, as news-herald.com reports.
The JCU team is a real force on the field this season. With an overall record of 5-1, and an unblemished record of 4-0 in the NCAC, they have impressively outscored their opponents 159-7, aside from a narrow 31-28 win over Wabash. A highlight of the last game was quarterback Nick Semptimhelter, who completed 26 of 30 passes for 249 yards and four touchdowns. His impressive performance leaves him with 1,513 yards and 18 touchdowns without an interception this season. This results in a QB rating of 199.05, making him the all-time leader in passing accuracy in Division III
Rivalry on the field
The upcoming match against DePauw will provide additional impetus. DePauw, who enjoyed a well-deserved bye week last week, will take the field refreshed. The historic rivalry between the two teams is shaped by the significant games in their past, which not only strengthen the outcome of the game but also the social bonds between the alumni. As documented, thousands of alumni and fans across the country have attended the Monon Bell games, which include more than just sports rivalry, but also celebrate DePauw's shared values.
For many alumni, the game is an annual pilgrimage to meet old friends and fellow students. Matt Wetoska, who attended the Monon Bell game 37 times, illustrates how deeply this tradition shapes the community. The stories told at the meetings grow over the years and strengthen the alumni's connection to their alma mater. It is precisely this tradition that will shape the mood in the upcoming game against JCU.
It's all about preparation
The JCU coaching staff and Coach Jeff Behrman emphasize the importance of effectively executing the game plan to challenge DePauw's established championship status. “We use the bus ride from Springfield to northern Ohio to analyze the highlights of DePauw,” Behrman explained. This strategic preparation could be crucial to overcoming DePauw's stout defense, which has often been considered a hurdle in the past.
Overall, the upcoming match will be a showcase of two strong teams entering a season full of drama and tradition. Whether JCU can continue to maintain its dominance or DePauw surprises viewers with its strength remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: fans can look forward to a very special football weekend!
The numbers clearly show how strong the offenses of both teams are. What is certain is that when you look at the statistics, the anticipation for the game only continues to grow:
team | Overall record | NCAC balance sheet |
---|---|---|
JCU | 5-1 | 4-0 |
DePauw | 4-0 | — |
In summary: Ohio football week will provide plenty of thrills as JCU and DePauw duke it out for the NCAC title. We will keep readers updated on all developments!