ST. PAUL – On a perfect early September evening, the University of Northwestern football team used a stifling defensive effort to shut out the visiting Augsburg Auggies, 14-0, at Reynolds Field. It marks the program's third win over the non-conference foe from Minneapolis.

After a scoreless first quarter, UNW's BJ Foster (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) found the end zone on a 3-yard plunge with 7:28 remaining in the first half to give the Eagles a 7-0 advantage. Neither offense could generate any additional production before the halftime horn sounded.

The second half was much like the first – defense-heavy. After both teams exchanged several punts, Northwestern struck with its second score with just over four minutes remaining in the contest. Senior Corban Halbur (Richfield, Minn./Richfield) found fellow senior Cody Carlson (Dallas Center, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) on a 7-yard fade route in the back of the end zone to secure the season-opening victory.

Foster rushed for 64 yards on 26 carries to pace the Eagles' ground game, while Halbur finished 11-of-23 for 151 yards and a score through the air. Carlson hauled in a game-high five receptions for 53 yards and Zach Duerwachter (La Crescent, Minn./La Crescent) racked up 71 yards on two catches to lead the receiving corps. Both Carlson and Duerwachter made spectacular catches down the field to stretch the Augsburg defense.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ben Greener (Foley, Minn./Home School) recorded a game-high 12 stops. Ryan Van Maanen (Oshkosh, Wis./Valley Christian) and Gideon Burnham (Alexandria, Minn./Jefferson) both came up with critical interceptions deep in Northwestern territory to prevent Augsburg scores. Nick Swore (Grand Rapids, Mich./Northpointe Christian) was all over the Auggies' backfield, recording 3.5 tackles for loss and applying heavy pressure to Augsburg's passing attack.

The Eagles will be in action again next Saturday when they travel to Crown College for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Storm.