WELCOME
The Gustavus Adolphus College football team is set to host Saint John’s University on its annual Hall of Fame Day Saturday. The Gusties come into Saturday’s Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup with a 3-3 overall record and a 1-3 mark in the league after a 32-17 loss at Bethel last Saturday, while the No. 10/11-ranked Johnnies are 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference after a convincing 62-0 victory over Carleton College.
LIVE ACTION
KNUJ AM 860 out of New Ulm, Minn. is broadcasting every Gustavus regular season game. The voice of the Golden Gusties, Tom Wheeler, handles the play-by-play duties for the 11th consecutive season. Fans can listen to the KNUJ broadcasts on the Internet through the Gustavus Athletics website.
Live coverage of Saturday’s game begins at 12:30 p.m.
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HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Saturday’s game is designated as Hall of Fame Day at Hollingsworth Field as the College’s Athletics Department has selected nine individuals for induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2016 class of inductees include Ryan Boutwell ’99 (Football), Scott Crowell ’01 (Soccer), Heather Fitch ’96 (Gymnastics), Rick Hjelm ’83 (Hockey), Molly Nemes ’01 (Gymnastics, Track & Field), Bret Newcomb ’92 (Hockey), Dana Peterson ’96 (Cross Country, Track & Field), Rod Swenson ’99 (Baseball), and Larry Zelenz (Coach).
SCOUTING THE GUSTIES
Last Saturday the Gustavus football team traveled to Arden Hills, Minn. to face the Bethel University Royals one week removed from its bye. The Gusties were unable to contain the No. 1 offense in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and a large first half deficit proved to be too much to dig out of as the Gusties lost 32-17, dropping their third consecutive league game.
Bethel did all of its damage in the first half, scoring 12 points in the first quarter and 20 in the second, while holding the Gusties to a field goal for a 32-3 advantage at halftime. The Royals scored touchdowns on their first four drives of the day, while their defense forced four punts, three turnovers on downs, and two interceptions.
In his first game played since Week 2, Luke Martinez (Sr. Lenexa, Kan.) led the ground game with 24 carries for 63 yards. Sam Archer (So., Zimmerman, Minn.) got his first start under center since Week 3 and completed 15-of-30 passes for 158 yards and two interceptions. Hunter Johnson (Jr., Cannon Falls, Minn.) was once again the top target with three catches for 51 yards. Nathan Hajder (Jr., Rogers, Minn.) led the defense with nine tackles, including two for a loss of six yards.
As the MIAC enters Week 8 of the season, Gustavus sits at No. 7 in the league standings. The Gusties have the fifth-best offense in the league, averaging 375.5 yards per game. The passing offense is No. 6 in the league with 209.3 yards per game, while the rushing offense is No. 5 in the league with 166.2 yards per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Gustavus ranks fourth in the MIAC, allowing 361.7 yards per game – 213.2 yards through the air and 148.5 yards in the ground. After collecting three interceptions last week against Bethel, the Gusties now have nine picks on the season, which is second most in the league.
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SCOUTING THE JOHNNIES
The No. 10/12-ranked Saint John’s University football team rolled to a 62-0 shutout over Carleton last Saturday in Collegeville, Minn. Seven different Johnnies scored an offensive touchdown, while the team set a new program record with its third blocked punt for a touchdown this season and second in as many games. The Johnnies out-gained Carleton 551-140 in the game, including a 324-23 margin on the ground, and posted a 30-10 advantage in first downs. Saint John’s forced three-and-outs on the Knights’ first six offensive possessions (eight total) and recorded a goal-line stand (a first-and-goal opportunity from SJU’s four-yard line) with 2:19 remaining in the game.
Adam Essler led the ground game with 10 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. Ben Alvord completed 8-of-12 passes for 183 yards and two scores. Evan Clark was Alvord’s favorite target, hauling in five receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, Jack Pietruszewski led the way with seven tackles, including two tackles for a loss of 13 yards and one forced fumble.
Saint John’s only loss this season came at the hands of the No. 4-ranked team in the nation, St. Thomas, as the Johnnies currently sit in second place in the MIAC standings. Saint John’s averages 449.3 yards per game, which is the third highest mark in the league. The passing game is a strong point for the Johnnies as they hold a 68.5 completion percentage and a 21-2 touchdown-to-interceptions ratio. Saint John’s team passing efficiency is the second best among all Division III schools. While the offense boasts impressive numbers, the Johnnie defense is the best in the MIAC, allowing just 222.0 yards per game, which ranks fifth in the nation.