SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus football team is set to take on Hamline University at 1 p.m. Saturday at Klas Field. The Gusties, coming off a 27-14 win against Concordia, are 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the MIAC, while the Pipers, coming off a 42-26 loss at Carleton, are 0-6 overall and 0-4 in the league.
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Scouting the Gusties
Gustavus got back on track last Saturday with a 27-14 Homecoming win over Concordia at Hollingsworth Field. The Gusties jumped out to a 27-0 lead by halftime and limited the MIAC’s top rushing attack to just 20 yards on the ground – their fewest since 2000. The Gusties also controlled possession for more than 41 minutes and were 11-of-18 on third down attempts.
Through five games this season, Gustavus averages 19 points and 300 yards of total offense per game. The Gustie aerial attack is fourth best in the MIAC, averaging 214.2 yards per game. Their 86 rushing yards per game ranks sixth in the league. Either through the air or on the ground, the Gusties are the best in the conference at converting on third down, boasting a 49 percent rate on 38-of-78 attempts. Defensively, their 438 total tackles are third most in the MIAC.
Michael Veldman continues to quarterback the offense with 212.8 passing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the MIAC. He has nine touchdowns to five interceptions and a 54.6 completion percentage. Brice Panning is his top target with 23 receptions for 415 yards. Panning’s 18.0 yards per catch ranks second in the league and his 83.0 yards per game are third best. David Peal leads the ground game with 54 carries for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Brayton Finch has scored a team-high six touchdowns – five receiving and one rushing. Matt Berkner has led the team in tackles all five games this season, averaging 10.2 per game, which ranks second in the MIAC.
Scouting the Pipers
Hamline is struggling through a tough season with six consecutive losses. The Pipers most recently lost 42-26 at Carleton last Saturday in a game they led 20-7 midway through the second quarter. The Knights responded with 35 unanswered points to secure the win. Hamline ran for 127 yards and passed for 178 yards.
Through six games this season, the Pipers average 14.5 points and 238 yards of total offense per game. They’ve relied on the passing game, completing 101-of-205 passes for 1030 yards. Hamline’s 30 kick returns for 559 yards are most in the MIAC, as well as its 43 punts for 1325 yards.
Quarterback Justice Spriggs is the offensive leader in passing and rushing. He’s rushed 91 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while completing 100-of-202 passes for 1026 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Tanner Lunceford leads the receiving corps with 24 catches for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Luke Trudell leads the conference in tackles with 72. He also has 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles.