After a convincing 63-10 win at Hamline Sept. 26, the Tommies (3-0) look to remain perfect this Saturday when St. Thomas plays at home versus Gustavus (1-2).
Gustavus was beaten handily last week by No. 6-ranked St. John’s. Before squaring off against St. John’s, Gustavus got its lone win of the season against Hamline in overtime.
In the 2008 game at Gustavus, the Tommies were victorious winning 30-22 in St. Peter. Ben Wartman led the charge for the Tommies, running all over the Gustie defense for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Fritz Waldvogel also came up big, making 12 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown. The Tommies offense just had its way with the Gustie defense, compiling 440 total yards.
Although St. Thomas sacked quarterback Jordan Becker twice, the pass defense was poor. Becker threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns. All-MIAC senior Chad Arlt also had seven catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite woes against the pass, the Tommies did hold Gustavus to just 22 rushing yards. But All-MIAC running back Ray Wilson did not play in the game.
Defensive back Matt Griswold said he’s confident St. Thomas is ready for Becker this year.
“We’ve had another great week of practice and have grown a lot in the past year,” he said.
Breaking down Gustavus
Judging by Gustavus’ performance so far this season and the amount of players that graduated from last season’s team, St. Thomas is simply better on paper. The Tommies are ranked No. 15 in the country, and the Gusties were picked to place just sixth in the MIAC’s preseason poll, after finishing 6-4 last season.
Coach Peter Haugen is in his first season at Gustavus. His offense relies on Becker to lead the Gusties. And Becker is off to a solid start, throwing five touchdowns with three interceptions for an average of 218 yards a game through his first three starts this season.
After losing its top two rushers, Wilson and Adam Lukes, the Gusties have leaned on Augustana transfer Michael Wubbena and freshman Kendrick Hall. Hall followed Haugen, his coach from Washburn High School and has been an impact player for Gustavus to start his career. Hall is averaging more than five yards per carry and scored both of Gustavus’ rushing touchdowns this season.
“We need to make sure we wrap up and shut their run game down early,” junior defensive end Cyrus Allen said.
After losing superstar Arlt, sophomore Elliott Herdina and senior captain Cam Maurer lead Gustavus’ receiver corps. Herdina has 15 catches for 158 yards and three touchdowns, while Maurer has 13 catches for 217 yards and one touchdown.
The Gusties return three offensive linemen, but did lose All-MIAC linemen Jared Thelemann and Michael Klayum.
“They have a very solid offensive line,” Allen said. “We’re going to have to be very fundamentally sound and disciplined on the defensive line.”
On defense, All-American safety Joe Welch anchors the Gusties. Last year he led the Gusties in tackles with 98. Welch also intercepted five passes, forced and recovered the same fumble and broke up seven passes. Welch has Gustavus’ only interception so far of the 2009 season.
The Gusties return all three linebackers. Tony Palma is the star returner and recorded 83 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions in 2008. As for the defensive line, the Gusties are trying to replace All-MIAC players in Brian Bergland and Ted Alleckson.
Danny Grimmer can be reached at degrimmer@stthomas.edu