SAINT PETER, Minn. — In their first matchup since 2007, Gustavus delivered a convincing 55-18 win over Macalester on Hall of Fame Day, scoring on eight of 11 drives while holding the Scots to 245 total yards. The Gusties improve to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the MIAC with their biggest Northwoods Division matchup on the horizon next Saturday against Saint John's.

Jake Breitbach posted his third 200-yard receiving game of the year, solidifying himself as the NCAA's top receiver this season. Breitbach picked up 11 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Gustie offense, bringing his season total to 79 catches for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Gustie offense wasted little time to take a 7-0 lead, as George Sandven found his usual suspect Breitbach for a 60-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the opening drive. 

The Gusties took over on downs for their second possession of the game, and looked to Walker Britz to lead the team to its next touchdown. Britz carried the ball for 29 yards on the drive, scoring on a three-yard run. Macalester blocked Andrew Abegglen's extra point attempt and returned for a two-point score to get the Scots on the board. 

Macalester scored a touchdown before the end of the first quarter to bring the score to 13-10. The Gusties responded with 21 second quarter points to the Scots' eight, as Sandven, Matthew Carreon, and River Wood each added a touchdown for the Gusties to lead 34-18 at the half. 

After a scoreless third, the Gusties scored three more touchdowns to close out the game, as Breitbach and Woods each added their second of the day, while Dom Mathies ran in a five-yard score for the 55-18 final. 

"We're really pleased with our execution today," said Head Coach Peter Haugen. "We made a key fourth down play early in the game to get us going, and I'm really proud of the guys' effort today. Our defense deserves a lot of credit, especially in the second half. The stop on the three yard line to set up the 97-yard drive was truly an outstanding effort from the whole team. As we get ready for next weekend, we need to approach the week with a lot of respect and do what we need to in practice to prepare for Saint John's. If we keep doing that, the results will continue to come."

The Gusties outgained the Scots 443-245 in total yards, including a mark of 143-37 in rushing yards. Gustavus controlled the pace of play with six more minutes of possession.

Sandven completed 16-of-21 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Three Gusties had at least eight carries, led by River Wood with nine attempts for 51 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Carson DeKam led the Gustie defense with 13 total tackles, including a quarterback hurry and a tackle for loss. The Gustie defense combined for a total of nine tackles for loss. 

Gustavus hosts No. 8 Saint John's next Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
  Read Full Article