St. Olaf’s offense accumulated 325 yards, passing for 157 yards while gaining 168 yards on the ground. Quarterback Jason Wilsey ’06 completed 18 passes on 29 attempts for 157 yards. Andrew Schmesing ’08 and Preston St. John ’08 led the team in receiving with nine catches for 75 yards and three catches for 36 yards, respectively. Jay Higgins led St. Olaf’s rushing attack, earning 52 yards on 12 carries, with Bobby Andrade ’07 rushing for 29 yards on seven carries. Wilsey also rushed for 52 yards on seven carries and one rushing touchdown.

The Oles had a difficult time containing the Johnnie passing attack, allowing 482 yards through the air. Defensive back Matt Dean ’06 led the defense with nine tackles, including one tackle for loss. Trey Williams ’06 and Deontae Hutchins ’08 followed, earning four and 4.5 tackles, respectively.

Despite the tough loss, St. Olaf head coach Chris Meidt had some positive words for his players.

“Ole football is about character, developing the character to win with class and the character to lose with grace,” Meidt said after the game.

“Keep your heads up, take responsibility to get better, and make no excuses. A lot of things happened today that we can fix, and Monday we will get back to work,” Meidt continued. “Today's game and score doesn't make me any less proud of you or the things you have accomplished this year."

The Oles will regroup to face Concordia Saturday. The Cobbers, also 7-1, are tied with St. Olaf for second place in the MIAC, and this game will likely determine which team earns second place honors outright.

Additionally, the winning team has a good chance of making the NCAA Division III playoffs. A playoff berth would be a historic accomplishment for the Oles, who have not made the playoffs since 1978.

“We’re looking forward to a great week of practice, and playing in another big game,” right tackle Jeremy Thomas ’07 said. “This game is about the playoffs.”

Saturday’s game against Concordia is set to kickoff at 1 p.m. in Moorhead, Minn.

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