ST. PAUL, Minn. – Playing its fourth nationally-ranked opponent over the last six games amidst the challenging conference schedule, the Carleton College football team got off to a solid start but was unable to carry the momentum through the contest, falling on the road to No. 5 University of St. Thomas. With the win, the Tommies secured at least a share of the MIAC regular-season title as well as the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Playoffs.

The game began with some promise for the Knights (1-8, 0-7 MIAC), who took the opening kickoff and drove 70 yards on 15 plays, consuming more than eight minutes. The drive was capped by a 34-yard field goal by Brandt Davis (Jr./La Verne, Calif./Bonita), marking just the second time this season that the Tommies (9-0, 7-0 MIAC) trailed this late into a ballgame.

St. Thomas responded with a touchdown and two-point conversion, but the Tommies—who surpassed 50 points in six of their nine games this season and rank fourth in the nation (all three divisions) in scoring—only led 8-3 at the conclusion of the quarter.

In the second stanza, the hosts took advantage of three key plays on special teams to open up some breathing room.

Carleton quarterback Zach Creighton (Jr./Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) completed 13-of-his 26 passes, connecting with five different receivers.  Seven different Knights figured in the rushing attack.

Defensively, Carleton was led by Dylan Saline (Jr./Anoka, Minn./Champlin Park) who notched 12 solo tackles—tops in the MIAC this weekend—on the afternoon, and Spencer Francis (Fy./Hartland, Wis./Brookfield Academy), who picked up his second interception of the season.

Carleton will look to shake off today’s 80-3 setback as the Knights return home to close the campaign next Saturday versus Hamline University at Laird Stadium. Kickoff on Senior Day is scheduled for 1 p.m., and Knights Online will once again provide live audio, live video, and live stats.

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