The Benedictine University football team opened the season in Iowa with a 42-41 loss to Loras College. Loras scored the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the game.

The hosts opened the scoring on the first drive of the game, opening a 7-0 lead. Benedictine countered with a 15-play drive that ticked off over seven minutes to tie the score on a one-yard touchdown pass from Nathan Rillo to Hundley Stallings. Keenon Davis recovered a fumble late in the first quarter that helped Benedictine open a 14-7 advantage early in the second quarter on an eight-yard scramble from Hector Gonzalez.

Sami Ayash scored on a 57-yard pass play following a punt as Benedictine led 21-7 less than five minutes into the second. Loras came back to tie the game late in the half, scoring a touchdown and then converting on an interception.

Loras made it three straight touchdowns early in the second half to lead 28-21. Stallings tied the game with a one-yard touchdown from Evan Wydajewski. Wydajewski made put Benedictine back in front late in the third with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Justin Hocker.

Loras tied the game halfway through the fourth before Gregory Hoard broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes left but the extra point was no good. Loras countered with a long drive to score the game winning touchdown. Benedictine took over the ball with 37 seconds remaining and moved the ball a bit but could not get close enough for the go-ahead score.

Benedictine piled up 451 yards with 319 through the air and 132 on the ground. Gonzalez completed 14-of-18 passes for 162 yards while Wydajewski completed 14 passes for 156 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Hoard carried the ball four times for 94 yards. Dylan Sigel reeled in 10 passes for 101 yards. Tyler Walker and Jack Hayden both finished with 11 tackles to lead the defense.

Benedictine (0-1) is off until September 16 when the conference season begins with the first home game against Aurora.