Game Day Notes (PDF)

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The Royals travel to Moorhead, Minn. this weekend to take on conference foe, Concordia College, who like BU has two conference losses thus far this year. Bethel at 5-2 (3-2 MIAC) looks to stay in the mix for NCAA playoff consideration, despite dropping an emotionally and physically charged battle against the St. Thomas Thommies last weekend. The Royals continue to draw national attention though, ranking no. 20 out of 239 programs on d3football.com. Meanwhile the Cobbers are currently riding a four game win-streak and look to make a playoff bid of their own.

At 4-2 in the conference with its only losses to St. Thomas and Saint Johns, Concordia stands in third place among all MIAC opponents. The Cobbers' high powered offense that averages more than 34 points a contest is the only team to break the 30-point barrier against St. Thomas during the regular season since 2008.

Pass defense will be the name of the game Saturday as Concordia has given up the second most passing yards (1,649) among all MIAC squads. Contrarily, the Royals boast the highest passing efficiency among all nine institutions. The Cobbers make up for the lack of defense on the turnover battle, however, as they own a conference best 11 interceptions throughout the 2011 season. Concordia also has forced the most turnovers and has committed the least amount of turnovers.

Time of possession will also be critical among the two squads as these two own the top two spots in third down efficiency and total time of possession.

The Royals continue to lead the conference defensively, giving up the fewest touchdowns (12) thus far. Leading Bethel against the opposing offenses is linebacker Billy Morgan (Sr., Rosemount, Minn.), who leads the team (74) and is second in the conference in tackles per game (10.6).

BU's offense looks to stay explosive, exhibiting the best red zone efficiency of 90 percent. Josh Aakre (Sr., Dawson, Minn.) has been one of the main components to the Royal red zone success. His play continues beyond inside the 20, as his overall pass efficiency of 150.2 percent leads the league. Aakre and Co.'s main challenge will be against the Cobber's defensive line, who owns the most sacks in the MIAC with 34. Although, BU's O-line has showcased an exceptional dominance over opposing rushes giving up only five sacks throughout its seven games.

Bethel will also display its elite running attack with Jesse Phenow (So., Richmond, Minn.) and Brandon Marquardt (Fr., Champlin, Minn.), who each average over five yards per carry. Furthermore the Royals rank no. 12 in the nation in rushing yards per game, totaling more than 265 yards per game alongside 24 rushing touchdowns.

Head Coach Steve Johnson noted, "Despite the loss [to St. Thomas] last week, we have to go in with the mentality that if we win there's a chance. We have continually prided ourselves on every new adventure that lies ahead, and this is another new adventure."

Johnson continued, "Each gave is a gift, and its our job to consecrate every game. That's exactly what we hope to do Saturday."

Opening kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Jake Christiansen Stadium in Moorhead, Minn. Live stats and audio will be available here.