The Spartans, picking up their first win of 2012, held the Beavers (3-2, 2-1 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference) on downs twice, forced them to punt twice and ended a drive with an interception in the second half en route to a 24-14 win. MU kept the home team below its season rushing average as well, surrendering just 86 rushing yards.

Senior defensive back Max Jones (Anderson, Ind.) highlighted the defensive effort with a "pick six", as he intercepted a Tyler Wright aerial near midfield and rambled 51 yards for the touchdown with only 1:38 remaining. Bluffton managed to move deep into Spartan territory after Jones' key play but missed a field goal attempt in the final minute to seal the MU victory.

The two offenses traded two touchdowns each in the opening half. Manchester University (1-4 overall, 1-2 HCAC) used the running and throwing abilities of junior quarterback Nick Williams (Fort Wayne, Ind.) to spark a pair of first quarter scoring drives. Williams hit junior halfback Ryne Lehrman (Hoagland, Ind.) for a 38-yard scoring strike to complete an opening drive in which he was three-for-four through the air. After forcing a Bluffton punt on its first possession, the Black and Gold went to the ground on its next drive, marching 67 yards on nine plays behind Williams and junior running back Dan Hunter (Rushville, Ind.). Williams covered the final five yards for the touchdown.

Bluffton came back through the air with a late first quarter and early second quarter strike to tie the game at 14-14. Manchester University got the ball right before halftime and maneuvered 51 yards in 12 plays to set senior place-kicker Kyle Evans (Winamac, Ind.) up for a 34-yard field goal to take a 17-14 lead into halftime.

Williams led the Spartan offense with 67 yards rushing and 151 yards passing. Senior wide receiver Kurt Monix (Crown Point, Ind.) was the top receiver with six catches for 48 yards. His six receptions helped him hit the 100-reception milestone for his collegiate career. Junior linebacker Zach Dashner (South Bend, Ind.) led the defense with 13 tackles, 10 of which were unassisted. MU's defense ended the game with six sacks and 13.5 tackles for losses.

Manchester University returns to Carl Burt Field to begin a stretch of back-to-back home games Saturday, Oct. 6. Defiance College of Ohio visits for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.