JohnnieFootball

Top Ten Things To Look For At Bethel On Saturday

Posted by:: Touchdown Tommy
Posted on:: 8 November 2007 6:05 pm

Bouncing Aluminum Bleachers: Every big play or 3rd down situation the Bethel student body will conduct the most annoying cheer in the MIAC when they jump up and down on the metal bleachers chanting “Deeeefense, Deeeefense, Deeeefense…” There is nothing better than converting in these game situations and being able to hear a pin drop from the homestands shortly thereafter.
Special Teams Play: Pay close attention to the efforts of the punt and kick return teams for both sides. In a matchup that is predicted by many to be relatively equal, the ability to create/control field position could be one of the game’s deciding factors. Surely Johnnie fans remember the horror of Nate Klint’s blurr as he raced to 2 Kickoff returns in the 2000 shootout at Royal Stadium (43-36 Royals).
Lack of Parking On Campus: The parking layout at Bethel U isn’t conducive to holding large event crowds. It will be a free for all and the earlier you get to campus the better. Nobody wants to take that off campus shuttle if at all possible. Additionally getting there early allows for extra tailgating time.
Overflow Johnnie crowd: It may be cold, rainy, and borderline miserable, but the cardinal and blue faithful will show up in droves for the game. A short drive for most of the Twin Cities alumni and a MIAC conference championship on the line are key ingredients for a packed Royals Stadium. I just hope they have planned well at Bethel and don’t run out of concessions in the 1st half which has become all too common when the Johnnies take their act on the road.
Trick Plays: Both teams have shown they aren’t afraid to pull all their tricks outta the bag for this annual grudge match. In fact, the Johnnies started the 2003 409th win game with a pass from Blake Elliott that was intercepted.
Player Injury Status: Bethel starting running back, Logan Flannery, was banged up last week against Augsburg and my sources tell me he isn’t close to 100% for this week. This would be a big loss for the Royals and change their gameplan significantly if he can’t go. The Johnnies were blessed with a well timed bye week for Brett Saladin, Jason Primus, and others to get healthy.
First Quarter: Knowledgeable football minds often say games are won and lost in the 4th quarter, however, this week the beginning of the game is critical for both teams. If Bethel can ride the wave of emotion and their home field advantage to a couple of early touchdowns they will be in a great position to win. Nobody has success playing from behind against the Johnnies. Early turnovers or mistakes will determine the outcome of the game.
Field Conditions: The Johnnies’ fans often joke about the opponents watering down the field the week before the game by turning the sprinklers on to “in theory” slow the Johnnies speed down. If the natural grass at Royals Stadium is slippery or gets torn up quickly between the hash marks this would have to favor Bethel who relies heavily on the running game of QB Ben Wetzell and RBs Logan Flannery/Jared Bangs.
Key Coaching Decisions: Steve Johnson has made his fair share of boneheaded coaching decisions in recent years against the Johnnies. Watch to see if John Gagliardi decides to kick Field Goals or go for it deep in Bethel territory. Neither team has an especially fantastic kicking game, so the play calling on 4th downs will be critical.
Johnnie Tailgate: The Johnnie tailgate will be located in the Soho lot as you enter the Bethel campus off Snelling Ave beginning around 9am. Don’t be afraid to come join the crew, introduce yourself, bring some beverages/food to share, and taste the world famous Arth chili, burgers, brats, and Jell-O.