NORTHFIELD, Minn.—Losing is never easy, but how teams respond after a loss can sometimes be the most important measurable in a season. Bethel University's football team made a statement Saturday in their MIAC opener at Northfield, as the Royals rolled past St. Olaf 49-3 thanks to five first-half touchdowns and zero points allowed.
 
With today's victory over the Oles, BU has now outscored St. Olaf 136-3 over the past three meetings—quite the change in scenery after these two teams split with another from 2009 to 2012.
 
Freshman quarterback Trey Anderson received his first collegiate start under center and performed magnificently. Anderson went 7-of-7 in the first half for 119 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown. The White Bear Lake, Minn., native finished the day 8-of-11 for 132 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also carried the ball 11 times for 43 yards.
 
The BU offense never punted the ball, nor did they turn it over in the opening half. Anderson found Drew Neuville for a nine-yard score on the opening drive, which capped off a seven-play, 57-yard drive. Marshall Klitzke then housed a 38-yard carry on 4th-and-1 to help the Royals go ahead 14-0. Anderson then took matters into his own hands near the end of the first quarter, as he rushed for BU's third TD on a 20-yard QB option.
 
Ryan Kopca then intercepted St. Olaf quarterback Nate Penz to begin the second quarter, which allowed Bethel's offense more time to work. Anderson hit Bryce Marquardt for a 35-yard touchdown on the ensuring drive and Joey Lee for a 10-yard score on their final drive of the half.
 
The Royals failed to score on their first drive of the third quarter, but quickly scored during their second. Klitzke scored his second touchdown of the day by taking the second snap 48-yards to the end zone. St. Olaf then punted to the Bethel 8-yard-line on their very next drive, but it didn't stop Bethel from going the length of the field and scoring their seventh and final touchdown. Freshman tailback Gunnar Bloom scored from five yards out, completing a 15-play, 92-yard drive.
 
Anderson was one of many offensive standouts. Marshall Klitzke continued his hot start to his senior season with 16 carries, 156 yards, and two touchdowns, while Bridgeport Tusler carried the ball 10 times for 93 yards. Gunnar Bloom rushed seven times for 50 yards.
 
Rarely throwing in the second half, Bethel's wide outs still caught 10 passes for 146 yards. Leading the way was Bryce Marquardt, who caught three passes for 89 yards and one touchdown. Drew Neuville hauled in four passes for 33 yards and one score.
 
Jordan Bardwell led Bethel's defense with seven tackles, while Phil Peterson and Josh Dalki each wrapped up six—including one-half tackle for loss. 22 defensive players tallied a tackle.
 
Andrew O'Reilly averaged 60.0 yards per kickoff, totaling 480 yards on eight total kicks.