As the 2024 college football season approaches its halfway mark, the St. Olaf Oles have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. Sitting at a pristine 4-0 record, the Oles are firing on all cylinders, boasting a high-powered offense and a defense that stifles opponents week in and week out. With conference play now underway, the Oles are aiming to build on their momentum and secure a path to postseason glory.
Offensive Firepower: Quarterback Theo Doran’s Commanding Presence
At the heart of St. Olaf’s success this season is the commanding play of quarterback Theo Doran (#19). Doran has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the charge for an offense that averages a staggering 40.5 points per game. Through four games, Doran has thrown for 984 yards, completed 68 of his 103 pass attempts, and connected on eight touchdown passes. His efficiency has been a key factor in the team’s offensive dominance, boasting a quarterback rating of 168.02.
Doran has displayed a cool head under pressure, throwing just two interceptions while averaging 246 passing yards per game. His ability to stretch the field has kept opposing defenses on their heels, with St. Olaf averaging 14.21 yards per catch. With every game, Doran looks more in command of the offense, and his chemistry with his receivers has blossomed, allowing the Oles to strike quickly and often.
Balanced Attack: A Potent Rushing Game
While Doran’s passing has been a highlight, St. Olaf’s rushing attack has been equally lethal. Running back Gus Gartzke has been a workhorse, racking up 371 yards on 82 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per rush. Gartzke’s tough, physical running style has led to five touchdowns already this season, and his consistency has been a steady force for the Oles.
Complementing Gartzke’s efforts on the ground is none other than Doran himself, who has added six rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability. His knack for finding the end zone, both through the air and on the ground, has made him one of the most dangerous players in the conference. The Oles’ ground game averages 167.5 yards per game, providing a balanced offensive approach that makes them difficult to defend.
A Defensive Stronghold: No Breathing Room for Opponents
As impressive as the offense has been, the St. Olaf defense has been equally, if not more, dominant. Through four games, the Oles have allowed just 34 points, holding opponents to an average of 8.5 points per game. Their ability to shut down both the run and the pass has been evident, as they have limited opposing offenses to a mere 2.7 yards per rush and 166 passing yards per game.
Linebacker Noah Barrett has been a standout performer, leading the defense with 26 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. Barrett’s ability to wreak havoc in the backfield has been instrumental in disrupting opposing offenses, and his leadership has set the tone for the entire unit. Not far behind Barrett is defensive back Alijah Cruel, who has 23 total tackles and one interception, showcasing his playmaking ability in both run support and pass coverage.
The defense has been adept at creating turnovers, forcing three fumbles and intercepting three passes through the first four games. This ball-hawking mentality has allowed the Oles to control the pace of the game, often giving their offense short fields to work with.
Special Teams: A Complete Effort
Special teams have also played a crucial role in St. Olaf’s success. Kicker Collin Swan has been reliable, converting 4 of 5 field goal attempts and nailing 15 of 16 extra points. In the return game, Devin McNearny has been electric, averaging 29.2 yards per kick return, with a long of 40 yards. His ability to flip the field has given the Oles great starting field position, further fueling their potent offense.
The Oles’ punt coverage unit has been solid as well, allowing just 16 total return yards on the season. Their ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory has been a key factor in controlling field position battles, forcing opposing offenses to drive the length of the field against a stingy defense.
A Perfect Start: St. Olaf’s Dominance by the Numbers
The numbers don’t lie—St. Olaf has been dominant in every facet of the game. The Oles are averaging an astounding 444.5 yards of total offense per game while holding opponents to just 265.3 yards. The team’s balanced attack, featuring both a high-powered passing game and a punishing ground attack, has been too much for opponents to handle.
On the defensive side, St. Olaf has been equally impressive, recording 10 sacks and 34 tackles for loss. Their ability to generate negative plays has consistently put opposing offenses in difficult situations, leading to an outstanding third-down conversion rate for the Oles’ defense, allowing just 34.43% of third downs.
When looking at the big picture, the Oles have outscored their opponents 162-34, a testament to their dominance on both sides of the ball. With an unblemished record and a +128-point differential, the Oles are showing no signs of slowing down as they enter the heart of their conference schedule.
Key Wins and Standout Performances
St. Olaf’s perfect start to the season includes several standout victories. The Oles opened their season with a 39-21 victory over Northwestern-St. Paul, showcasing their offensive firepower from the get-go. They followed that up with a 53-7 thrashing of Luther, where the defense pitched a near-shutout.
In conference play, St. Olaf has been just as dominant. They defeated Macalester 29-0, shutting out their opponent while controlling every phase of the game. Most recently, the Oles dismantled Hamline 41-6, further solidifying their place atop the MIAC standings.
Throughout these games, several players have stepped up in big moments. Wide receiver Derek Hansen has been Doran’s favorite target, hauling in 22 catches for 245 yards and five touchdowns. Hansen’s ability to make plays downfield has opened up the offense, allowing Doran to spread the ball around to other key contributors like Devin McNearny and Evan Hammonds.
Looking Ahead: Challenges on the Horizon
As the Oles head into the second half of the season, they are well aware that the toughest challenges are yet to come. With a 2-0 record in MIAC play, St. Olaf sits in prime position, but the road ahead will test their resolve. Upcoming matchups against conference rivals will provide a clearer picture of just how far this team can go.
The key to sustaining their early success will be continuing to play balanced football. If Doran can maintain his high level of play, and the defense continues to suffocate opponents, the Oles have a legitimate shot at running the table in the regular season and making a deep postseason run.
Final Thoughts: St. Olaf’s Bright Future
At the midway point of the season, St. Olaf has exceeded expectations and established themselves as a contender in the MIAC. Their blend of explosive offense, stifling defense, and strong special teams play has made them one of the most complete teams in the conference.
With a quarterback like Theo Doran leading the way, the Oles have the firepower to outscore any opponent, while their defense has shown the ability to shut down even the most potent offenses. As long as they stay focused and continue to execute at a high level, the sky is the limit for this St. Olaf squad.
