The No. 9-ranked St. Thomas football team will have its hands full when it faces quarterback Ayrton Scott and Augsburg Saturday at Edor Nelson Field.
Scott is averaging 230.5 passing yards per game and has thrown 10 touchdowns this season, placing him second in the MIAC in each category. He is also second in the conference with 132.5 rushing yards per game. Coach Glenn Caruso said Scott is the toughest player to defend in the MIAC when he’s performing at his highest ability.
“I think he’s equally dangerous with both (running and passing), but I think he’s most dangerous when he is shooting from the hip,” Caruso said. “When he is able to get out there and create and play some backyard football is when he is lethal with both his feet and his arm.”
The senior quarterback is a four-year starter and a three-time All-MIAC first team honoree. He holds the Auggies’ (2-2 overall, 1-1 MIAC) school records in rushing yardage and both rushing and passing touchdowns.
Along with Scott, Augsburg’s offense also features wide receiver Joey Sonnenfeld and running back Tyrell Martin. Sonnenfeld is second in the MIAC in receiving yards per game and was honored on the All-MIAC first team last season. Martin is fifth in the MIAC in rushing yards per game and third in rushing touchdowns. This trio chalked up 561 combined yards in a 59-42 losing effort to Gustavus last weekend. Linebacker Alex Stevson said the Tommie defense will rely on what’s been working for it.
“Given Scott is already tough to manage as is, throwing Martin in the mix may create problems for defenses,” Stevson said. “Our defensive scheme for the game will not be heavily altered; we will stick to what we know and do best.”
The Auggies aren’t as strong on the other side of the ball though. The defense is conceding 35.8 points and 423 yards each contest. In last week’s loss to Gustavus, Augsburg gave up 517 yards, including 311 passing yards.
The Auggies will have their hands full with the Tommies’ offense. St. Thomas is averaging 547 yards per game and averaging just over 50 points per game. In last week’s 54-0 thumping of St. Olaf, St. Thomas (4-0 overall, 2-0 MIAC) recorded 650 yards. Fullback Dominic Truoccolo said the key matchup will be in the trenches.
“They are an athletic team all around, but I think our biggest opportunity for success is in the matchups between our front (offensive line) vs. their (defensive line) and our backs to their inside linebackers,” Truoccolo said. “Whoever wins those individual battles inside will be better off.”
Last season, St. Thomas trounced Augsburg 45-27, scoring 28 of its 45 points in the first quarter. The Tommies’ offense recorded 477 total yards and the defense held Ayrton Scott to 181 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Caruso said there’s a good chance his team will keep improving.
“I see us moving in a very positive direction four weeks in a row, and I would like to believe that we’ll continue that,” Caruso said.
Jesse Krull can be reached at krul7386@stthomas.edu.