ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University welcomed Concordia College to Royal Stadium for the conference opener on a beautiful fall afternoon, but despite how perfect the weather was, BU's first MIAC home game was spoiled by the Cobbers (2-1, 1-0 MIAC), who defeated the Royals (0-3, 0-1 MIAC) 21-13 in Saturday's matinee.
 
Bethel and Concordia were tied 7-7 at the halfway point, but the Cobbers scored the go-ahead touchdown on their opening drive of the second half and once more with 14:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Royals narrowed the gap to 13-21 with a rushing touchdown by Trey Anderson at the 4:06 mark in the final frame. BU's defense forced the Cobbs into a 3-and-out with 3:33 left on the clock, but Bethel's comeback attempt was thwarted after failing to convert a first down on 4th-and-8 from the Concordia 27-yard-line.


 
The Royals, who were 6-1 against the Cobbers since the 2009 season, now fall to 0-3, which marks the first time since 2002 and the second time since 1987 that BU has started the year 0-3. Bethel finished the 2002 campaign 5-5 overall and 5-3 in league play.
 
BU finished the day with 293 yards offensively, which included 224 yards through the air and 69 on the ground. Andrew Dzurik completed 18-of-34 passes for 181 yards, while Trey Anderson was 7-of-12 for 43 yards.
 
Bryce Marquardt continued his electric start to the 2016 season with nine catches for 108 yards. He now has 28 catches on the season for 411 yards, which averages out to be 9.3 receptions and 137.0 yards per game. Coming into Saturday's game, Marquardt ranked No. 6 nationwide in receiving yards and No. 18 in receptions per game.
 
David Shepler, who started in place of the injured Ryan Kopca at outside linebacker, took advantage of his opportunity Saturday. Shepler led the team with 13 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. D3football.com Team of the Week honoree, Dawson Brown, was right behind, as the sophomore recorded 12. Joey Lee had his best performance in his new role as free safety, as the Dawson, Minn., native wrapped up nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss. In total, Bethel's defense posted five tackles for loss, compared to Concordia's two.
 
The Royals continue their season in Northfield, Minn., next Saturday when they faceoff against St. Olaf College. Kickoff at Manitou Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.