STORM LAKE, Iowa (Oct. 1, 2022) - The Buena Vista football team jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead and held a 16-12 advantage at the half, but the University of Dubuque rallied to score 27 third quarter points and spoil the BVU Homecoming on Saturday afternoon, 46-16.

BVU had the screen pass working effectively in the early going with sophomore quarterback Zach Herrera connecting with Michael Odom on the play for the team's first two scores. Odom caught the first one and scampered 25 yards to the endzone with 11:56 left in the opening quarter before the two connected for a 17-yard score with 5:12 left in the frame.

The Spartans answered the Beavers' first score but missed the extra-point, and then after responding the second time, they tried a two-point attempt but a backwards pass hit the ground and was scooped up and returned nearly 75 yards by the Beavers for two points and a 16-1 cushion with 13 seconds left in the quarter.

In the second quarter, the two teams combined for six punts and a pair of turnovers without either side putting points on the board.

Dubuque drove 65 yards down the field in five plays on its first drive of the second half, capped by a six-yard touchdown run and took its first lead a 19-16. After BVU was forced to punt, the Spartans struck back quickly with a 76-yard TD pass to extend the margin o 26-16. Herrera was then sacked deep in BVU territory and fumbled the ball which was recovered and returned three yards for another score. Dubuque added a late score in the quarter to take a 39-16 lead to the fourth before adding the final touchdown midway through the fourth.

The Spartans passed for 450 yards in the contest while BVU was held to only 297 yards of total offense. Matthew Beisswenger had a career-high 12 punts in the contest for a 31.7 average. 

Herrera was 20-of-36 through the air for 164 yards and two scores while being intercepted once. Mason Griffith carried the ball 15 times for 122 yards, including a big 58-yard burst on the team's second play of the game. Dylan Laughlin had a team-high six catches for 63 yards. Odom finished with three grabs for 50 yards and the two scores.

Ben Gultig was 21-of-37 for 377 yards through the air and four touchdowns to help lead the Spartans (2-3, 2-1 A-R-C) while the team had two receivers finish with over 100 yard receiving.

Buena Vista dips to 2-3 overall (1-2 A-R-C) and will travel to Loras College next Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. kick-off inside of the Rock Bowl.