Michael Veldman (photo courtesy of Tim Kruse)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus football team travels to Bethel University 1 p.m. Saturday for its second MIAC matchup of the season. The Gusties enter the game 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the MIAC after losing to Saint John’s 45-13 last Saturday, while the Royals are fresh off their bye week with a 2-0 overall record.
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GUSTAVUS GAME NOTES | BETHEL GAME NOTES
The Series: Saturday’s game marks the 41st all-time meeting between the Gustavus and Bethel football programs. The Royals lead the series 23-17 and have won the past nine meetings. In last season’s matchup at Hollingsworth Field, Bethel scored the first touchdown and never trailed en route to a 24-3 victory.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus enters Saturday’s game 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the MIAC after losing 45-13 to Saint John’s last Saturday under the lights of Saint Peter High School’s Floyd B. Johnson Memorial Field.
A 15-yard throw-back pass from Michael Veldman (Sr., Becker, Minn.) to Brayton Finch (Jr., Mount Morris, Ill.) midway through the second quarter brought the Gustie deficit to 17-13, but the Johnnies were able to add another touchdown with 2:24 remaining in the half and held the home team scoreless the rest of the way. A 92-yard blocked field goal return for a touchdown put the game out of reach early in the fourth.
After three games this season, Gustavus leads the league on third down having converted on 22-of-45 chances. The Gusties also lead the conference with 15 kick returns for 301 yards for an average of 20.1 yards. Their 293 total tackles are most in the MIAC as well.
Behind center, Veldman has completed 59-of-110 passes for 713 yards, all marks that rank second in the MIAC. Veldman also has thrown for seven touchdowns and three interceptions. The passing game averages 240 yards per game, led on the receiving end by Brice Panning (Jr., Hamburg, Minn.) with 15 catches for 313 yards. Panning ranks second in the MIAC in total receiving yards, yards per game (104.3), and yards per catch (20.9). The rushing attack is paced by Finch with 40 carries for 149 yards and a touchdown. Matt Berkner (Sr., Sleepy Eye, Minn.) leads the defense with 33 tackles.
Scouting the Royals: After enjoying its bye last week, Bethel enters its conference opening matchup 2-0. The Royals started the season with a 41-29 victory at Simpson followed by a 32-27 win over UW-River Falls on Sept. 8. Against the Falcons, Bethel outgained the opposition 468-324 with a balanced offensive attack (253 passing, 215 rushing). The Royals were able to control the clock, holding possession for 37:59. A 20-point first quarter gave the Royals a cushion and they were able to hold off a fourth quarter comeback.
Through two games, Bethel has been efficient in the red zone, scoring nine times in 10 opportunities, which is the best percentage in the MIAC. The Royals also lead the conference in time of possession, averaging 36:52 per game. Their offense averages 36.5 points and 409.0 yards per game, both marks that rank third in the league.
The ground game is led by Sam Gibas, who has 272 yards and five touchdowns on 47 carries. His 136.0 yards per game leads the conference. Jaren Roste has led a two-quarterback system, completing 19-of-25 passes for 270 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Jake Marsh has also spent time under center, going 9-for-20 for 98 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Joel Koenecke is the leading receiver with eight catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Dawson Brown lead the MIAC with 13.0 tackles per game. He also has two interceptions and 1.5 tackles for loss.