After dismantling No. 7-ranked Wabash 38-7 last week, the No. 4-ranked St. Thomas football team faces its fiercest opponent yet when the Tommies square off against No. 2-ranked Linfield (Oregon) in the national semifinals Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium.
The Wildcats (12-0 overall) offer a dangerous and prolific passing attack, something the Tommies (13-0 overall) haven’t seen this postseason. Led by the arm of backup quarterback Tom Knecht, the Wildcats’ offense recorded 492 yards and five passing touchdowns in Linfield’s quarterfinal win last weekend against Mary Hardin-Baylor.
“We’ve faced impressive pass games before, but this is among the elite without a doubt,” coach Glenn Caruso said. “It’s going to take an effort that we have not seen quite this year.”
Knecht’s impressive outing last Saturday was the fourth-highest passing yardage in Wildcat history, and his 38 completions are tied for second in program history. The senior put up impressive numbers, but he also tossed three interceptions in 54 attempts.
Knecht was thrust into the starting role after starter Sam Riddle suffered a right ankle injury in the first half of Linfield’s 38-22 victory over Cortland State in the second round of the national playoffs. Before his injury, he hurled a combined 440 yards, six scores and no interceptions in Linfield’s two playoff wins. Riddle was honored as Northwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 1,819 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions in the regular season.
Linfield’s starting quarterback for Saturday is unknown, but Tommie linebacker Steve Harrell knows hurrying either Knecht or Riddle will lead to positives for the defense.
“We are going to do our best at taking away his first read and make him hold on to the ball, which then will let our pass rush get to him and cause bad throws (and) decisions and hopefully lead to some sacks or takeaways,” Harrell said.
The Wildcats’ receiving core is well-rounded – five of their wide receivers have over 400 receiving yards this season. Junior Eric Igbinoba is second in yards with 508, and redshirt sophomore Johnny Carroll leads the team with nine receiving touchdowns. Wide receiver Brian Balsiger hauled in 150 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches against Mary Hardin-Baylor, while Carroll snatched 10 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
Talent abounds for the Wildcats, but the team’s best offensive weapon is a dual-purpose back who leads the squad in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, receiving yards and catches. First Team All-Conference running back Spencer Payne has rolled up 1,139 rushing yards and 528 receiving yards on top of 12 total touchdowns through 12 games. Harrell said Payne just may be most dangerous as a receiver.
“I believe he is best in space as a shifty back, so he is much more dangerous when he can get the ball in open space,” Harrell said. “In the run game he has to get past our defensive front first, which hasn’t bode well for most backs.”
Along with Riddle and Payne, Linfield’s offense features four more First-Team All-Conference members, including three offensive linemen.
“Stopping the run game first will still be key,” Harrell said. “Then when they start to throw, I am sure we will bring more pressure to make it uncomfortable for the quarterback, which is where we have been able to thrive all year and hope to continue with that success.”
The Wildcats’ first two levels of the defense are anchored by NWC Player of the Year Alex Hoff. The defensive end has registered 49 tackles, including 24 for a loss, and a team-high 15 sacks. A strong linebacking core features Jake Reimer and Eli Biondine, who are first and second in tackles, respectively. Linebacker Marcus McGovern is second in sacks with 11.
Tight end Charlie Dowdle said Linfield has the best defense the Tommies will see all season.
“They may not look as big as Wabash did, but they do have one of the most talented defensive linemen we have seen all year, and he has some other athletic guys around him,” Dowdle said.
Wabash held Tommie running back Jordan Roberts to 61 yards with one score on 16 carries. On the other hand, St. Thomas leaned on the passing game with three players chalking up over 50 receiving yards. Dowdle led the team with 73 yards and one touchdown on four catches. Wide receiver Nick Waldvogel secured 68 yards, and wide receiver Jack Gilliland recorded 59 yards and one touchdown.
Dowdle said the passing game will rely on the run game.
“We always want to establish the run game, so I think you will definitely see some run game, and if it’s working, you may see it more than last week,” Dowdle said. “If (the) run game struggles, we are confident in our pass game to open things up.”
Although Linfield is ranked higher in the national polls, St. Thomas is No. 1 in the West Region, which gives the Tommies the right to host the semifinal matchup. The 2:30 p.m. start time is unusual for the Tommies, but Dowdle and his teammates are able to appreciate the small stuff, instead of traveling to Oregon.
“We don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. for a flight and a bus ride; we get to sleep in our own beds, eat what we usually eat and play in front of our fans,” Dowdle said. “So being at home, the time change does not affect us very much.”
Jesse Krull can be reached at krul7386@stthomas.edu.