Ottawa ? Ottawa University built a three-touchdown lead, then weathered two fourth-quarter touchdowns by Baker University and held on for a 24-14 victory Saturday in the Victory Sports Network First Down Classic.

It was the football season opener for both teams and the first time in their 79 meetings that both were ranked in the NAIA Top 25. Ottawa is ranked No. 9 and Baker No. 24.

Offensively, the teams were closely match. Baker threw for 363 yards and rushed for 45 for 408 total yards, while Ottawa threw for 341 yards and rushed for 34 (375 total yards).

Ottawa’s Clarence Anderson scored a TD, returning the opening kickoff, after taking a handoff from Shane Gimzo on the five-yard line, and the Braves never trailed.

Anderson also had 11 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown.

Baker’s Zach Faust was 27-for-45 for 363 yards and a touchdown, and Kyle Bolton had five catches for 94 yards and a TD.