Defensive end Ayo Idowu’s 25-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown on the game’s first offensive play helped the St. Thomas football team jump out to a 21-7 first-half lead over Wisconsin-Oshkosh in a NCAA Division III national semifinal Saturday at home.

After the Titans’ first possession ended in a three-and-out, defensive back Kyle Coyne blocked punter Nate Becker’s attempt with defensive back Ryan Deitz recovering deep inside Titan territory. Six plays later, quarterback Matt O’Connell found tight end Logan Marks from six-yards out, giving St. Thomas a 14-0 lead just under five minutes into the game.

The St. Thomas defense forced another Titan three-and-out midway through the first quarter. O’Connell orchestrated a 16-play, 75-yard drive capped off by his own one-yard touchdown run, extending the Tommies’ lead to 21-0.

Quarterback Nate Wara, who is a Gagliardi Trophy finalist, brought Oshkosh within 14 when wide receiver Corey Wipperfurth hauled in a 77-yard touchdown pass three minutes into the second quarter.

The Titans and Tommies traded turnovers on consecutive plays midway through the second quarter. Safety Frank Martin first intercepted O’Connell, then defensive linemen Riley Dombek recovered a Nate Wara fumble.

The Tommies and Titans each had two turnovers in the half.

Two plays later, O’Connell threw his second interception of the half, this time to safety Zach Wettengel.

The Tommies hail mary attempt to end the first half fell 1 yard short on a 43-yard catch by wide receiver Charlie Dowdle.

St. Thomas’ defense held the Oshkosh rushing attack to 5 yards in the first half.

The Tommies will receive the second half kickoff.

Ross Schreck can be reached at schr8250@stthomas.edu.