ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Bethel University's football team didn't let snow and cold November temperatures deter them from overpowering Augsburg University at home Saturday as the Royals (4-5, 4-3 MIAC) rolled to a 42-22 victory over the Auggies (4-6, 2-6 MIAC).
 
Augsburg converted on a field-goal attempt in their opening drive before BU scored three consecutive touchdowns. The first was a four-yard punch by freshman Sam Gibas, completing a 9-play, 39-yard drive. After an Auggie 3-and-out, Bethel then scored again on a two-yard carry by quarterback Jake Marsh. Augsburg then fumbled on their first play from scrimmage and the Royals scored three plays later when Marsh lofted a pass over the Augsburg defense to Joel Koenecke for a 19-yard score. The Auggies managed to score twice before the half, but BU snuffed out a fake PAT on the second score, forced a fumble, and Trey Anderson ran it back for a score that resulted in two points.
 
Leading 23-16 at the half, Bethel received the opening kick of the second half and after a 44-yard return by Koenecke BU scored five players later. Marsh connected with Koenecke again from 30 yards out, capping a 46-yard drive. The Royals upped the ante later in the third quarter when Marsh found Drew Larsen in the end zone on a post route that resulted in a 16-yard touchdown.
   
Augsburg scored once more on special teams before BU manufactured an 8-play, 46-yard drive that resulted in a Levi Duininck touchdown from one yard out. Marsh hit Mathias Durie on a tight-end screen for 19 yards and Duininck barreled across the goal line, which led to the 20-point spread at the end.
 
Bethel finished the day possessing the ball 36:37 compared to Augsburg's 23:23. BU's defense also limited the Auggies—who came in averaging 366 yards per game—to just 298 yards of total offense, including 20 yards rushing on 18 carries. The Royals wrapped up four sacks and two more tackles for loss, while breaking up five passes, and hurrying the quarterback seven times.
   
Kyle Peach led the defense in tackles with 10 on the day—including one-half tackle for loss, in addition to one forced fumble, one breakup, and two hurries. Brett Norling wrapped up seven tackles, forced one fumble, and broke up a pass. Dawson Brown amassed four tackles, but also blocked a PAT and posted one QB hurry.  Kyle Kilgore continued his streak of games with a tackle for loss and sack, posting one of each against the Auggies, and Cameron Monson tallied two sacks for a loss of 18 yards and two fumble recoveries.
   
Jake Marsh converted 19-of-32 passes for 225 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Marsh connected with six different wide receivers, including Joel Koenecke, who caught five passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns, Drew Larse, who caught five passes for 62 yards and one touchdown, and Jon Pytlak, who hauled in four passes for 40 yards. Sam Gibas led a quartet of rushers Saturday, carrying the ball 24 times for 88 yards and one touchdown.
 
Bethel closes out the 2017 campaign next Saturday at home against Hamline University. Despite being out of postseason contention, BU still has much to play for. The Royals will try to extend their streak of 24 seasons without a losing record and remain among the top four teams across the conference.