NEW ULM, Minn. – The University of Northwestern football team rushed for 270 yards and three scores as the Eagles defeated Martin Luther College (4-4, 3-4), 30-14, Saturday afternoon on the road. With the win, UNW evens its record at 4-4 and 4-3 in conference contests.

The Eagles didn't waste any time getting on the board, as they took their first possession on offense and marched 56 yards on six plays to open up a 7-0 lead. Nate VavBusekom capped the strong start with a 22-yard touchdown run.

After an MLC kickoff return touchdown, Payton Bowdry (Minneapolis, Minn./South) put the Eagles back on top with a five-yard touchdown rush. Dom McDew (Apple Valley, Minn./Apple Valley) followed that up with an eight-yard touchdown scamper of his own early in the second quarter. UNW's most impressive drive came late in the first half when they put together a 14-play, 84-yard drive. The drive ended with a Spencer Steel (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Homeschool) 23-yard touchdown reception from Taylor Lindahl (Watertown, S.D./Watertown).

The Eagles put the game out of reach in the fourth when senior kicker Ben Lyons (North Olmstead, Ohio/Ohio Distance & Electronic Learning Academy) continued on his strong play, booting a 48-yard field goal – his second from that distance in as many weeks.

Bowdry led the strong ground game with 92 yards on 16 carries (5.8 yards per rush), while McDew carried 12 times for 66 yards (5.5 yards per carry). Bowdry also grabbed three receptions, while Tyson Green (Santa Clarita, Calif./Golden Valley) had a pair of catches for 16 yards. John Leskinen (Waukesha, Minn./Heritage Christian) hauled in a 27-yard reception from Derek Coffren (Marshfield, Wis./Marshfield) in the fourth quarter.

Nick Swore (Grand Rapids, Mich./Northpointe Christian) posted an interception for the third-straight game to move his season pick total to a conference-best five. Beau Walter (Conway, Ark./Conway) led a balanced defense with eight tackles and a fumble recovery, while Daniel Stratton (Lucerne Valley, Calif./Lucerne Valley) posted a sack on his way to recording seven tackles.

UNW outgained MLC 390-202 on offense. 

The Eagles will continue their two-game road swing next Saturday under the lights at Minnesota Morris. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. Fans can find more information at www.unweagles.com.