The rivalry between Otterbein and Capital seemingly had reached the "anything you can do I can do better" stage when Crusaders quarterback Zak Sheridan ran 8 yards to set up fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line in the second quarter.
Only 36 more inches and the score would be tied at two touchdowns apiece in an interesting tug 'o war.
But the Cardinals pulled off two spectacular plays in less than 20 seconds to get started toward a 49-34 victory before a standing-room crowd of more than 3,000 on Saturday in Bernlohr Stadium.
It is the first time since 1996-99 that Otterbein (3-2) has won four straight in the series between universities that are 14 miles apart.