ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's football team began Saturday with high hopes of its ninth postseason appearance and sixth MIAC title since 2000, but a shootout with Augsburg College resulted in a 61-62 double-overtime loss—ending all hope of the afore mentioned desires. The Royals, who failed to complete a two-point conversion for the win in double OT, saw their 16-game win streak against the Auggies and their 15-game win-streak at home in regular season play come to an end. The loss will also likely snap a streak of 54 consecutive polls in which the Royals were among the nations Top 25.
 
Together the two teams not only combined for over 120 points on the slippery and cold field, but the two squads amassed over 1200 yards of offense. Both teams set numerous records, but for the Royals it was Marshall Klitzke that set a new single-game scoring record with five touchdowns, on top of his 188 yards rushing. Moreover, Erik Peterson ended his career 22-of-31 with 319 yards and four touchdowns—all four to Bryce Marquardt, who hauled in 12 total passes for 231 yards.
 
For the Auggies, it was the lethal quarterback Ayrton Scott, who threw for 563 yards and five touchdowns, including 334 yards and three TD's to wide receiver Joey Sonnenfeld. Ironically, Augsburg was held under 100 yards rushing for the day.
 
The Royals owned the possession battle, as they held onto the rock for over ten minutes more than Augsburg. Bethel was also very successful on fourth down, converting 3-of-4 chances (and 8-of-15 on third). The Auggies never punted, however, as two interceptions, one fumble, and eight touchdowns were the result of Augsburg's 11 total drives.
 
Beyond the two-point conversion at the end, Bethel's one other chance to put Augsburg away came late in the fourth quarter, when the Royals had possession of the ball at their own 39-yard-line with 1:14 remaining in the game, but was unable to put a sustained drive together. After punting the ball with 00:43 still on the clck, the Auggies drove the ball down to the BU 27-yard-line and attempted a game-winning 37-yard field goal. The field goal was no good resulting in the first overtime.
 
In the opening OT, where both teams began from the 25-yard-line, the Royals turned the ball over on downs. On Augsburg's very next play, however, Bethel intercepted a Scott pass, which ended the initial overtime period. Both squads just stayed on the field, as the Auggies began the second OT on offense. Later, a deep pass in the back of the end zone forced the Royals to score a TD in their ensuing possession.
 
It took Bethel just four plays to find the equalizer, as Marshall Klitzke carried the ball into the end zone on a four-yard carry. Instead of going for a third OT and attempting a PAT, BU decided to go for the win. The Royals went back to the ground, but were stopped at the goal line and sunk to the ground immediately after the whistle blew.
 
Seniors Josh Treimer and Kevin Flaherty ended their careers by leading the team in tackles with both wrapping up eight tackles on the day. Treimer added two more pass breakups, on top of his 16 on the season, while Flaherty hurried the Auggie QB once. Matt Mehlhorn and Daniel Leidall added six tackles each, while David Morgan intercepted two Ayrton Scott passes in his final game as a Royal.
 
Because of Saturday's defeat, Bethel's season comes to a close. Their 7-3 finish to the 2014 season continues a streak of 21 consecutive seasons that the Royals have had a winning record. This is also the sixth straight season that BU has lost a max of two games in conference play, dating back to the 2008 season. Bethel will say goodbye and thank you all in the same sentence to 22 seniors.