Turnover-margin is a hugely-important statistic that you want to stay on the positive side of.
To date that’s exactly what the Alma College football team has done thus far in 2021.
Through the opening three games the Scots have recorded 17 takeaways (13 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries) in their three victories while turning it over only three times themselves. As it stands Alma College is +14 in turnover margin and leads all of Division III football in that stat.
Moreover, the Scots also rank first nationally in total interceptions (13) and are led by Brady Douma, whose four interceptions rank first nationally also.
The Scots have also gotten it done in the special teams department as kick-returner Devon Frenchko ranks first nationally in yards-per kick return (60 ypk) and kick-return touchdowns (2).
All things considered both speak of a team that’s having a good season and that’s what is happening at Alma College so far this fall.
On Saturday the unbeaten Scots (3-0) close the non-conference slate out at Martin Luther College (Minn.). Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. from the Martin Luther College Football Bowl in New Ulm.
Last weekend the Scots shellacked Anderson University 50-2 at home to improve to 3-0. They secured seven turnovers (5 interceptions) in that win.
The Knights (1-2) fell 55-7 to Saint John’s last weekend after recording a 42-28 win over Wisconsin Lutheran the week before.
On paper the Scots have benefitted significantly from turnovers this season as many have set the offense up on a short field. Add in the splendid kick-return game and you got a winning recipe.
Quarterbacks Trent Devereaux (19-of-41 passing, 279 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INT) and Joey Fosmore (8-of-18 passing, 103 yards, 1 TD) have both had solid campaigns directing the Scot offense.
Running back Keegan Benkhardt (33 carries, 140 yards, 1 YD) and wide outs Nathan Gorolski (8 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TDs) and Nate Webb (5 receptions, 59 yards, 2 TDs) have led the offense thus far.
The Scots only average 260-yards per game (114 rushing per game, 146 passing per game), yet have been helped out via the takeaway immensely.
Martin Luther is led by quarterback Max Nordie (37 carries, 214 yards, 3 TDs, 18-of-35 passing, 165 yards, 1 TD) and running back Carson Oestreich (63 carries, 327 yards, 2 TDs). Mike Radue (8 receptions, 82 yards, 2 TDs) is the top receiver.
Alma College opens MIAA play at home on Oct. 2 when it hosts Olivet for homecoming.
