After winning its last two games in the final minute of regulation play, the tables were turned on the Gustavus football team on Saturday as Augsburg scored with 46 seconds left to defeat the Gusties 28-21 in Minneapolis. It was a tough loss for the Gusties, who led virtually the entire second half until Auggie quarterback Marcus Brumm hit Mike Nourie with an 11-yard touchdown pass with 46 seconds on the clock. Gustavus fell to 3-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAC, while Augsburg improved to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the MIAC.
Statistically, the two teams posted nearly identical numbers with Augsburg compiling 410 yards on 76 plays and Gustavus totalling 392 yards on 72 plays.
The Auggies registered 20 first down compared to 19 for the Gusties. Augsburg, however held a distinct advantage in red zone scoring as the Auggies got into the end zone in all four of its trips into the red zone, while Gustavus was only able to score on two of its four opportunities. The Gusties were stopped on downs once at the Augsburg 12 and once at the Augsburg 24 and missed a field goal from the Augsburg 9-yard line in the game.
Gustavus did have a lot of success running the football as the Gusties rushed 43 times for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Kendrick Hall led the way with with 21 carries for 155 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown was a 77-yard run in the first quarter. Gustavus held a significant advantage in time of possession as the Gusties controlled the ball for 34:41 compared to 25:19 for the Auggies. Gustavus dominated play in the third quarter holding on to the ball for 12:43, while Augsburg had the ball for only 2:17.
Gustavus will host Bethel University next Saturday at 1:00 pm, while Augsburg will travel to St. Paul to face St. Thomas at 1:00 pm.