With over 3,100 fans watching, the Gustavus Football team shut down Carleton College’s offense in Saturday’s Homecoming game. The Gusties outscored the Knights 50-0, increasing their win streak to 5 games.

For the first time in 16 years, the Gusties have started out the season undefeated, with a 5-0 record overall, and a 3-0 record in the MIAC.

In Saturday’s Homecoming match-up the Gusties dominated in every aspect of the game—their defense was suffocating and their offense was explosive. The Gustavus defense recorded a season-high six sacks, and held the Knights to just 30 yards rushing and 28 yards passing.

On the offensive side, Junior Quarterback Mitch Hendricks was unstoppable. Hendricks threw four touchdown passes for 383 yards, added 69 rushing yards, and completed a 61-yard touchdown run.

Following Saturday’s game, Hendricks leads all Division III quarterbacks in the nation in passing touchdowns (24), passing yards (1,967), completion percentage (79.9%), and points responsible for (156).

Gustavus’ strong start to the season has not gone unnoticed on the national stage, as the team boasts the second-best passing offense in the nation, averaging 405.6 yards per game. The Gusties rank ninth among NCAA Division III schools in both total offense, averaging 538 yards per game, and scoring offense, averaging 47.8 points per game.

After Saturday’s contest, the Gusties are 3-0 in Homecoming games played against Carleton College.

-Linnea Moat