Second-Round Matchup: Bethel University

I don't think there's a team in this year's playoffs that's had a more controversial way of making the field of 32 than Bethel University. A very strong argument can be had that the Royals received a Pool C bid largely because they were on the favorable end of an unsportsmanlike conduct call back on October 6th against Concordia-Moorhead. Bethel's homecoming no less. On the final play of the game, down 14-7, the Royals' quarterback Erik Peterson was sacked and fumbled the ball. Only to have the Cobbers pick it up and return it for a touchdown, supposedly winning the game 21-7. However, while the ball was in play, numerous Concordia players rushed the field to celebrate only to get flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. With the penalty, Bethel got the ball back and a second chance to score with zeros on the clock (given that the game cannot end on a defensive penalty). As you probably already know the Royals went on to score as well as convert the two-point conversion, winning the game 15-14*. In my opinion this is one of the more remarkable finishes I have ever seen in a football game.

Bethel went on to finish the season 8-2, and received a Pool C playoff bid. The two Royals' losses were against St. Thomas (37-0) and St. Olaf (24-17). Bethel went into that Concordia-Moorhead game undefeated. So it's tough to say, with any certainty, that the remainder of their games would have turned out the same way if Bethel would have lost that crazy homecoming game. However, it's save to assume that Bethel would have lost to the Tommies, regardless of that game's outcome. Although, the St. Olaf game was very winnable, and I would bet the Royals would love to have that game back. If Concordia-Moorhead's bench would have stayed on the sideline, there's a good chance Bethel would finish with three losses. Rendering them out of Pool C contention. Not only that, odds are Concordia-Moorhead would have finished with a 9-1 record and would be a front runner for a Pool C bid....leaving Bethel at home to watch the playoffs. I don't mean to beat this topic to death, but it's just fascinating how that one sideline mistake decided the fate of two football programs this season. Don't get me wrong, Bethel is a very good football team, and that game was not the only reason why they made the playoffs. The Royals had some very good wins against programs like Wartburg (27-0), Augsburg (21-20), and St. John's (27-22). They finished second in what's rated the third toughest conference in the DIII, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Not to mention they had a very impressive road playoff win against undefeated Concordia-Chicago (24-23) last Saturday.



Hallstrom's touchdown against Concordia-Chicago

In years past Bethel has typically been a run heavy offense. This year however they seem to provide a more balanced attack to their opposition. The Royals won't exactly blow you away on offense, but they do have some dangerous play makers. One of those is wide receiver Mitch Hallstrom, who led the MIAC in receptions with 69 this season (including last week's playoff game). The 6'2" junior has a great set of hands, and has 30 more receptions than the next closest Bethel wideout. Oddly enough, Hallstrom's first touchdown of the year came in last week's first-round game at Concordia-Chicago. He finished the game with eight catches, 100 yards and a touchdown. The junior also threw a 23-yard touchdown pass in the game as well. Hallstrom has been far and away the favorite target of quarterback of Erik Peterson. The sophomore has thrown for 14 touchdowns and six interceptions on the year, and led the MIAC with a 66.9% completion percentage. His six picks are the second lowest in the conference. Peterson is also a threat beyond the line of scrimmage as he leads the team with eight rushing touchdowns. Freshman Marshall Klitzke is the team leader in rushing yards with 487. The 5'8" 181lb back has four touchdowns on the year.



Mathis (#5) knocks the ball lose against St. Thomas

Bethel predicates themselves as a defensively sound team. The Royals only give up 18.5 points/game, and 179.5 yards passing/game. Both of which are good enough for second in the MIAC. They have accounted for 16 interceptions on the year, best in the conference. One player in particular to keep an eye on Saturday is Inside Linebacker Seth Mathis. He's something special. The 6'3" 240lb junior leads the team in total tackles (120), solo tackles (49), interceptions (5), pass breakups (7) and forced fumbles (3). Only one other player in the MIAC has more total tackles than Mathis (Hamline's Page has 127). Those five interceptions is the second most among linebackers in the country (MHB's Javicz has seven). The junior has been the heart and soul of this defense, and will do his best keeping this prolific Oshkosh offense in check. Along side Mathis on the field is linebacker Kyle Asmus. The junior leads the Bethel defense with 4.5 sacks this season. If there's one area of concern for the Royals it would be their field goal unit. During the regular season the Royals had only kicked three field goals on six attempts. All three makes came inside the redzone. On the other hand, why even consider attempting a FG when you have the second highest fourth-down efficiency rate in the country (15 of 20 - 75%). Infact, the top three teams in DIII in fourth-down efficiency are all from the MIAC (Concordia-Moorhead - 79%, Bethel - 75%, and Augsburg - 75%). They've also only managed to make 86% of their extra points (30 of 35), which is second worst in the MIAC. If Bethel finds themselves with a fourth-down situation, between Oshkosh's 40 and 20 yard line, expect for them to go for it. They trust their defense enough if they are unable to pickup the first.

2012 Statistics (National Rank)
Bethel Rushing Offense: 138.5 ypg (135)
Oshkosh Rushing Defense: 95.3 ypg (22)

Bethel Passing Offense: 195.2 ypg (119)
Oshkosh Passing Defense: 190.9 ypg (88)

Bethel Total Offense: 333.6 ypg (146)
Oshkosh Total Defense: 286.2 ypg (28)

Bethel Rushing Defense: 124.5 ypg (61)
Oshkosh Rushing Offense: 266.3 ypg (14)

Bethel Passing Defense: 179.5 ypg (60)
Oshkosh Passing Offense: 238.5 ypg (66)

Bethel Total Defense: 303.9 ypg (43)
Oshkosh Total Offense: 504.7 ypg (9)


With a nationally ranked rushing offense of 135th, it's easy to see why Bethel's Time of Possession ranks 195th out of 239 DIII teams (27:58). If the Royals are unable to sustain any significant drives this Saturday on offensive look for Oshkosh to wear down this Bethel defense. I think the last thing coach Steve Johnson wants to see is All American Nate Wara on the field for 32 plus minutes. This could be the last home game for this senior driven Oshkosh team. A NCC upset at Linfield will be the only way Oshkosh gets a home game in round three of the playoffs.

* The touchdown and two-point conversion, following the penalty, are at the :55 mark on this video link. However, I highly recommend watching the entire video. Wide receiver Mitch Hallstrom makes one of the better one-handed grabs in double coverage that you will ever see. That catch setup the play that lead to the penalty and game winning touchdown.