Tyler Horning/Collegian
Junior Jesse Hoskins scrambles for yardage against Northwood earlier this season.
The Chargers have had a rough couple of weeks on the road, to say the least.
On Saturday Ashland shut out the Chargers 24-0. It was the first time in six years the team has been blanked.
The loss was also the fourth consecutive for the Chargers, dropping their record to 2-6, 2-6 GLIAC.
Following last weekend's shutout, they are now averaging only 20 points to their opponents' 37, and only 337 net offensive yards to 461.
"We do not want to make coming up short acceptable," head coach Keith Otterbein said. "Whether it's Ashland or Grand Valley, coming up short should never be an option that's not why we go out on that field."
The Chargers had a chance to score against Ashland in the second quarter when freshman quarterback Mark Nicolet threw what looked to be a 28-yard touchdown pass to junior Justin Swarbrick.
The throw was ruled incomplete because Nicolet was across the line of scrimmage when he made the pass.
The game was Nicolet's first game starting for the Chargers in the quarterback position.
He had his first opportunity to play the position during the Oct. 9 game against Grand Valley State, another loss the Chargers suffereed this season..
"I never thought I would be in this position," Nicolet said. "But I had prepared myself for this position. I learned so many things just from one game, I'm anxious to get an offensive rhythm going for the team so we can start putting some points on the board."
In his first game as starting quarterback, Nicolet completed 12 of 30 passes for 107 yards.
The Charger defense was led by senior Josh Mott with 14 tackles and five tackles for loss. Junior Matt Britton added another 14 tackles for the team.
"The defensive side of the ball played with a lot of energy and emotion," Otterbein said. "They put a decent amount of pressure on Ashland's quarterback and they played with a little more confidence."
On Oct. 9, the Chargers were defeated by No. 1 Grand Valley State, 58-7.
Sophomore Doug Dawson scored the touchdown for the Charger's in the third quarter on a one-yard run.
Nicolet replaced starting quarterback Jesse Hoskins in the second quarter completed 14 of 16 passes for 102 yards.
Leading the team in catches was junior Keith Recker who had four catches against Grand Valley State.
"We evaluate our personnel everyday based on performance during practice and game time," Otterbein said.
"That is how we reach decisions on the players we put out onto the field."
The defense was led by junior Chad Gurica who posted 10 tackles for the Chargers.
Grand Valley State was the seventh consecutive GLIAC game for the team.
"We play in a very balanced, very competitive conference," Otterbein said. "Week in and week out we must be ready to play."
The Chargers attempt to break their losing skid Saturday at home against Tiffin at 2:30 p.m.