Wilmington College will host John Carroll in Ohio Athletic Conference action 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Williams Stadium.

Wilmington (0-3 OAC, 0-4 overall) is coming off a 14-3 Homecoming loss to unbeaten Muskingum. The Quakers pounded on the door, but couldn't kick it open in a game that defined the narrow line separating wins from losses.

"Little things hurt us," Wilmington head coach Ken Minor said. "We had a chance to block a punt near the end zone, but didn't get it done. You just never know what one play can do to turn a game around. There were two or three situations in that game where we didn't make the plays that could have turned things around."

John Carroll (2-1, 2-2) is coming off a 47-41 two-overtime win over Otterbein. Senior quarterback Devin O'Brien — on his way to earning OAC Offensive Player of the Week honors — rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime. O'Brien also passed for 218 yards and a score.

"O'Brien is a veteran on a veteran-oriented team," Minor said. "O'Brien is a full package, very athletic. We have our hands full with him and their running backs. They have a full stable."

Wilmington's running game was boosted last week by the return of Tyrell Richardson (Columbus/Centennial).

"We still have to develop a running game to make our offense as good as we feel it can be," Minor said. "We are very young where you would most like to be experienced: the offensive line. We have three freshmen starting on our line. They are learning and improving, but the OAC is not a forgiving schedule."

Wilmington quarterback Brandon Arehart (Wilmington) enters Saturday's game ranked fifth in the OAC with 167 passing yards per game. Wide receiver Kyle Blakeman (Wilmington) ranks fourth in receiving yards per game (80) and third in receptions per game (6.5).

Both Wilmington and John Carroll offer defenses that have surrendered yards, but shown the ability to make big plays. The Blue Streaks feature C.J. Seitzinger, one of the top linebackers in the OAC.

"Seitzinger is as good as player as there is in the conference. He is a tackling machine," Minor said. "D.J. Debick is a really talented cornerback. We have our hands full trying to go up against him."

Wilmington's defense forced three Muskingum turnovers a week ago, including interceptions by cornerback Joe Joe Knecht (Lancaster) and linebacker Darian McGee (Dallas, Texas/Duncanville). Jamar Roberts (Springfield) was shifted to safety and responded with five tackles and three pass break-ups. Roberts leads the OAC with six break-ups.

"Jamar was very excited to be playing safety. He feels like that is his natural position. He gets more chances to come straight up and make tackles," Minor said.