The Aurora University football team make their final appearance of the 2021 season on the home turf on Saturday, October 30 when they host the Eagles of Benedictine University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Spartan Athletic Park with senior day recognition happening during pregame.  

Watch the game action - 
- The game can be seen live using live stats or live video 

All-Time Series - AU vs. Benedictine University

• Saturday will be the 44th meeting all-time between the rivals.
• In the three previous meetings, AU has left the field as the victor.
• The Spartans won the last meeting in 2020, 36-30.
• AU is 15-7 all-time in home games against Benedictine.
   

About the 2021 Aurora University Spartans –
- AU is 5-2 overall on the 2021 season
- AU won their first five NACC contests and are averaging 56.8 points per game in #NACCtion.
- The Spartans are averaging 46.3 points per game through six contests.
- The AU offense is averaging 492.9 yards per game.
- The defense is allowing 12.6 points per game in the NACC.

Spartan Key Performers - 
- Quarterback Gavin Zimbelman passed for 1,774 yards on 141-of-202 passing, 25 touchdowns and four interceptions.
- Running back Tyran Bailey is averaging 8.4 yards per carry, 115.9 yards per game and has 12 rushing touchdowns.
- Receiver Cameron Moore has caught 19 passes for 570 yards and nine touchdowns.
- Tight End Colton Jewell has caught 21 passes for 264 yards and six touchdowns.
- Ernesto Ramirez leads the AU defense with 35 tackles.
- Sean Reyna has six interceptions with 26 tackles and a defensive touchdown.

Spartans in the National Statistical Rankings: 
AU is led by a high powered offense that ranks 13th in total offense (492.9 yards per game), 12th in scoring offense (46.3 points per game), 19th in rushing offense (239.4 per game), 11th in punt returns (17.64), ninth in kick return defense (12.37) and 21st in third down conversion defense (0.287). 

Individually, the Spartans are led several individuals who rank among the top 20 in many categories.

Quarterback Gavin Zimbelman is third nationally in passing touchdowns (25), fourth in points responsible for (162), sixth in points responsible for per game (23.1), 15th in passing yards per completion (15.56) and 20th in passing efficiency (167.1).

Running back Tyran Bailey is ranked nationally, second in rush yards per carry (8.36), ninth in rushing touchdowns (12), 17th in yards rushing per game (115.9), 18th in total rushing yards (811), 16th in total touchdowns (12), 16th in points scored (72) and 18th in scoring per game (10.6).

Wide receiver Cameron Moore is first in yards per reception (30.0) and 12th in receiving touchdowns (nine)

Defensively, defensive back Sean Reyna is ranked third nationally with his six interceptions and fifth with 1.9 pass deflections per game.

Specialist, punt returner James Mautino is 10th in punt returns with 17.6.

About the Benedictine University Eagles –

• BenU is 6-1 on the season and 5-0 in the NACC
• The Eagles are averaging 39.1 points per game.
• The BU defense is allowing 31.9 points per game.
• Last week, Benedictine defeated Rockford 41-34.

Eagles to Watch - 

• Quarterback Tyler Jarnigan has thrown for 2,237 yards on 173-of-280 passing with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions.
• Receiver Deandre Holliday leads the group of pass catchers with 43 catches for 474 yards and five scores.
• Gregory Hoard is the top rusher with 97 carries for 531 yards and six touchdowns. 
• Ahmad Washington leads the defense with 82 tackles.
• Denzel Simmons has two interceptions, two sacks and 50 tackles.

Up Next for the Spartans - 
- The Spartans will head to the road to Wisconsin against Lakeland University on November 6 with a kick-off slated for 1:00 p.m. in Plymouth, Wisconsin.