Blugolds Top Johnnies 25-10 in Season Opener
September 1, 2001
Blugolds Top Johnnies 25-10 in Season Opener
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire senior quarterback Brian Rasmussen went 20-of-34 for 302 yards and two touchdowns in a 25-10 win over Saint John’s University at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville. The loss for the Johnnies was only their third regular season home loss since 1988 and the first since Oct. 11, 1997.
The Blugolds jumped on the scoreboard first with 11:46 left in the first quarter as Rasmussen connected with senior Jeremy Bergeron on a 42-yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt failed. Less than four minutes later, freshman Dave Garrison scored on a one-yard run and the Blugolds led 12-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The only scoring in the second quarter was a 41-yard field goal by SJU freshman kicker Brandon Keller.
In the third quarter, the Blugolds extended their lead on a two-yard run by Dave Garrison. The extra point was blocked and UW-Eau Claire led 18-3.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, junior Chad Crutchley caught a 21-yard pass from Rasmussen and the Blugolds were up 25-3. The final scoring of the game came when SJU senior Drew Gibson caught a five-yard touchdown pass from junior Ryan Keating. Brandon Keller’s extra point made the final score 25-10 in favor of the Blugolds.
The Blugolds out gained the Johnnies 382 to 267 in total offense. SJU carried the ball 33 times for nine total yards rushing.
For UW-Eau Claire, Dave Garrison carried the ball 39 times for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Jeremy Bergeron caught three passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, while Chad Crutchley had three catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.
The Johnnies rotated quarterbacks throughout the game. Ross Denne was 15-of-26 passing for 158 yards, while Ryan Keating was 9-of-22 for 100 yards. The Johnnies leading receiver was Drew Gibson, who had 10 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown.
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Athletic Department
Saint John’s University
PO Box 7277
Collegeville, MN 56321
320-363-2757
Fax 320-363-3130
E-Mail Marilyn Koltes