John Kipper, Staff Writer

Augsburg football (2-2, 0-2) struggled against St. Olaf (4-0, 2-0), losing 33-3. While numerically and statistically lopsided, there were a few times the team showed its potential. Offensively, senior receiver Nick Heenie continues to be the go-to man, hauling in seven passes for 106 yards. Quarterback Quentin Lake started in place of injured senior Quinn Frisell. The only score came from a Tyler Hanson field goal in the second quarter.

As a unit, the offense appeared mostly lifeless with 222 passing yards and a meager 14 on the ground. Excluding yards lost by sacks, the total rushing yards would only amount to 25. There were two costly turnovers early in the game that St. Olaf capitalized on, and in the latter half of the game, drives stalled out. Lake was sacked five times, which disrupted momentum.

For the defense, senior linebacker Barclay Bates recorded his and the team’s first interception of the year. The red-zone interception prevented St. Olaf from making it a four-possession game before half. The other defensive highlights came from junior linebacker Derek Glynn and junior defensive lineman Justin Ruff who each recorded sacks.

Besides that, there wasn’t much going for the Auggies defensively; they were unable to effectively and consistently stop St. Olaf on the ground and in the air. The Oles had three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns and seemed in command of the pace for the entire game. The only facet of the game controlled by Augsburg was by first year defensive back Camdin Carlson-Mathies blocking two extra-point attempts.

Up next for Augsburg is MIAC powerhouse St. John’s University (3-0, 2-0), currently ranked No. 9/No. 10 in the country.

This article first appeared in the Friday, September 28 edition of The Echo.

Nick Heenie of the football team jumps up to haul in a pass. Photo by Jim Pfeffer.