Nationally-ranked Johnnies lose 47-19 at home

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (From news services) — Wisconsin-Eau Claire scored early and often in handing 25th-ranked St. John’s a 47-19 drubbing on the Johnnies’ home turf.

The Blugolds (1-1) scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions to take a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter at Clemens Stadium.

Matt Olson ran 22 yards to score 7:47 in the first quarter, and Austin Goetsch followed by catching an 8-yard scoring pass from Austin Neu with 24 seconds left in the quarter.

At 12:29 in the second quarter, Neu hit Jesse Linsmeyer with a 52-yard pass for the third touchdown.

Josh Albrecht kicked a 39-yard field goal to give the Blugolds a 24-0 lead and Neu ran 6 yards with 18 seconds to go to make it 31-0 at the half.

Wis.-Eau Claire had not held the Johnnies scoreless in the first half since 2002. The Blugolds also topped their previous best of 30 points against St. John’s in 2004.

The 47 points was the most St. John’s had allowed up since 1993. The Johnnies have given up 47 or more points only five times dating back to 1900.

The Blugolds gained 469 yards (227 rushing, 242 passing) while St. John’s finished with 304.

Olson gained 108 yards rushing, his personal best. Neu completed 13 of 18 passes for 242 yards passing; David Goodman caught five of them for 101 yards. On defense.

The Blugolds have won two in a row against St. John’s (1-1).