The BenU-AU rivalry will be renewed on the football field this Saturday, as the Benedictine University football team will travel down I-88 to take on Aurora University at Aurora's Vago Field. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
 
Last week, the Eagles (1-4, 0-1) suffered a 17-6 defeat to Wisconsin Lutheran College. The Warriors jumped out to a 17-0 first half lead before BenU quarterback Ryan Keener found Omar Lopez for an 18 yard pass in the endzone with just three seconds remaining in the half. Both teams played to a scoreless tie in the second half.
 
Benedictine lost despite winning the turnover battle, with Wisconsin Lutheran turning it over four times compared to Benedictine's three. The Warriors were able to take away BenU's ground game, holding the Eagles to -4 yards rushing and no rushing first downs. Despite 259 passing yards, the Eagles were outgained 335-255 on the afternoon.
 
Aurora (1-4, 1-1) also struggled mightily last week, falling 62-24 at home to Concordia University Wisconsin. The Spartans allowed a Vago Field record 754 yards of offense to the Falcons, as well as a record 417 passing yards to quarterback Austin Damaschke. Jake Appel was able to gain 126 yards on the ground for Aurora in the loss.
 
The Spartans' offense has ran through Appel and the ground game thus far, as he's gained 584 rushing yards on the season (5.3 yards per carry) compared to just 543 passing yards between four Aurora players. Aurora's lone win on the season came two weeks ago to open Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play, defeating Rockford University 20-7. In AU's four losses, the team has been outscored 190-59.
 
Benedictine holds a 14-22 record all-time in the rivalry, but the Eagles have controlled the matchup in recent years. BenU is 4-1 against AU since 2009, with the lone loss coming at Vago Field in 2012. Last season, the Eagles defeated Aurora 33-23 at the Village of Lisle/Benedictine University Sports Complex behind 392 yards of offense. Head Coach Jon Cooper, who came to BenU in 2005 after 19 years as an assistant on Aurora's staff, is 5-4 lifetime against Aurora.
 
Aurora will provide live stats and video for Saturday's game.