GAME DETAILS

Coaches: Bethel's Mike McElroy (2nd year at BU and as a head coach: 18-3) // Concordia's Terry Horan (25th year at Concordia and as a head coach: 155-86)

Series: Concordia leads 22-24. The Royals are on a six-game win streak against Concordia, and have won 12 of the previous 15 meetings. The Cobbers' last victory over the Royals was a 31-7 decision on September 16, 2017. 

• Concordia is among just two MIAC opponents that Bethel has an all-time sub .500 record against. This includes a 9-14 all-time mark at Jake Christiansen Stadium, where the Royals have won the previous three meetings.
• BU is fresh off a 53-0 victory over Macalester at Royal Stadium on October 25. Quarterback Cooper Drews, who completed 26-of-34 passes for 306 yards in the game, finished with a season-best five touchdown passes and 82 yards rushing on four carries in the contest. The Royals' last shutout was nearly a year ago to the day on October 26, 2024, when they took care of Hamline 70-0. 
• Bethel's 196 first downs on the season ranks third in the country, while their 86 first downs allowed sits at fourth in NCAA Division III.
• The Royals moved from No. 5 to No. 4 on the D3football.com Top 25 Poll, and stayed at No. 6 on the AFCA Division III Coaches Poll for week eight.
• Bethel has outscored the opposition 343-49 through seven games this season, while the Cobbers also have the upper hand on opponents by a 186-117 margin.
• Bethel is one-of-eight undefeated teams in NCAA Division III. Joining Christopher Newport, Hardin-Simmons, Johns Hopkins, Mount Union, North Central (Ill.), Salisbury, and Wartburg.

ABOUT THE ROYALS

They've surrendered just 44.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the country while their rushing attack stands at 22nd in NCAA Division III with 220.7 yards per game. The Royals' .260 third down percentage defense is seventh in Division III, and their .542 third down offense comes in at 12th. Freshman running back Taye Manns leads the conference with nine rushing touchdowns while he's second in the MIAC with 617 rushing yards, 88.1 rushing yards per game, and 10 total touchdowns. Albert Rundell ranks among the top five in Division III with 8.57 catches per game, 134.9 receiving yards per game, 944 receiving yards, and 10 touchdown catches. Junior Phil Conant highlights the rushing defense as he ranks third in the country with 2.29 tackles for loss per game, and 22nd with 0.93 sacks per game. Nick Colyer's 0.57 interceptions per game paces the MIAC and ranks 13th nationally. Devin Williams, who has 42 tackles for the defense, leads the MIAC with 15.7 punt return yards per game. Quarterback Cooper Drews paces the league in passing touchdowns (22), and points responsible for (150).

ABOUT THE COBBERS

They are coming off a 26-7 road victory over Augsburg on October 25. The Cobbers' two blemishes were a narrow 17-16 defeat to St. Olaf on September 20, and a 41-6 loss to Saint John's on October 18. Wide receiver Davion Henderson leads the MIAC with 19.05 yards per reception. Their ground game is led by Mason Hughes, who ranks fourth in the conference with five rushing touchdowns, and 515 rushing yards. Quarterback Jersey Selzler's 13.97 yards per completion is third best in the league.