ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's football team plays host to No. 10-ranked Saint John's University this Saturday afternoon at Royal Stadium in their annual homecoming game. The Royals (1-3, 1-1 MIAC) are looking to capture their first home victory of the 2016 season, while the Johnnies (3-1, 1-1 MIAC) hope to keep themselves among the Top 10 teams nationwide. The weekend matinee between the conference rivals will be the 38th meeting between these two opponents. Bethel has won seven of the last 10 matchups, but SJU holds the overall advantage (28-9).
PARKING
Due to homecoming events and limited parking around the stadium, a free shuttle service will be available. There will be pickup and dropoff at Bethel's Anderson Center (2 Pine Tree Drive) and the CLC circle between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. (
Map)
THE SAINT JOHN'S FILE
The Johnnies come into today's game boasting a 3-1 record overall and 1-1 mark against MIAC opponents. SJU looks to avenge their lone loss of the season, as they fell to St. Thomas 21-33 in a Top 10 battle last Saturday that was played before 16,514 fans. Five total turnovers cost Saint John's, as UST managed to score 21 points off of turnovers.
PENN STATE PROSPECT
SJU's top recruit in 2016 is starting QB Jackson Erdmann, who red-shirted at Penn State in 2015. The Rosemount, Minn., native has lived up to his hype, as he has completed 55-of-81 passes (67.9 percent) for 872 yards and 15 touchdowns (No. 1 nationwide). Erdmann's career best came in week two when he went 17-of-20 for 259 yards and five TDs against BVU.
DYNAMIC DEFENSE
Much of the Johnnies' early-season success can be attributed to their dynamic defense, as Saint John's ranks No. 8 nationwide in total defense after allowing just 210.5 yards per game. SJU's defense also ranks No. 3 among all Division III teams in passes intercepted, as they have picked off nine pass attempts in the first four weeks.
THE BETHEL FILE
The Royals come in to today's contest against Saint John's University riding a 44-7 victory over St. Olaf College last week in Northfield. The Royals ground game was on display, netting 379 total yards and five TD's between three different running backs. The team also held the Oles to 200 yards of total offense, including a -4 mark on the ground.
HOMECOMING FEAST
Bethel is celebrating it's annual homecoming festivities this week on campus. BU's football team has benefitted from homecoming crowds since the program started in 1947, as the Royals are 36-31-2 all-time. Even better, Bethel has gone 16-3 since the 1998 season with a perfect 4-0 record since the start of 2012.
BRIDGE TO SUCCESS
Much of the Royals offensive success this year can be credited to junior running back Bridgeport Tusler. Tusler is ranked No. 1 in scoring among all rushers nationwide with nine touchdowns. He also ranks No. 1 among MIAC rushers in rushing yards with a total of 336. Tusler, who has eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice this season, is averaging 84.0 yards per game.
PROTECTING THE QB
Bethel's offensive line has been sensational throughout the first four games as the Royals have yet to allow a sack to an opposing defense in 2016. They are one of five teams (244 total teams in NCAA Division III) to be sack-free after four weeks of play. Additionally, BU ranks No. 17 nationwide in tackles for loss allowed, giving up 4.00 tackles for loss per game.
BLOCK PARTY
The Royals rank No. 4 nationwide in blocked punts with a total of two. Both blocks were credited to sophomore outside linebacker Dawson Brown and both set up a BU touchdown on the very next play. Bethel's block party doesn't stop there, however. The Royals rank No. 3 among all Division III teams in blocked kicks with a total of four.
MAKING HIS MARQ
Bryce Marquardt is among the top wide receivers nationwide. The Champlin, Minn., native is ranked No. 6 in receptions per game (9.3) and No. 7 in receiving yards per game (137.0). At this pace, Marquardt will amass over 1,200 yards, which added to his 1,217 receiving yards, would put him less than 600 yards shy of Bethel's all-time record (3,001).
