The Cobbers will start a pair of freshmen in the offensive backfield.
"It’s the first time," Christopherson said. "For sure the first time against St. John’s. They’re going to have to grow up in a hurry. However, by this time of the year, they’re almost sophomores."
Freshman Marcus Ludtke will man the halfback position, while freshman Len Crouse will fill the fullback spot.
Ludtke is starting in place of senior Dan Steinbeisser, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s leading rusher, who is out with strained knee ligaments. He suffered the injury in last Saturday’s 28-7 triumph over St. Thomas.
Steinbeisser won’t dress against the Johnnies and could possibly miss the Augsburg game the following week.
Crouse broke the starting lineup after a monster performance against Bethel two weeks ago. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound Hazen, N.D., product ran for 131 yards against the Royals.
Both played well against the Tommies, combining for 185 yards (95 from Ludtke and 90 from Crouse) on the ground.
"They’ve definitely been responding well," Christopherson said.
Concordia will also see some changes on the defensive side of the football. Junior defensive end Ryan Albrecht will start in place of sophomore James Poock, who is suffering from a hip injury.
But Christopherson is still happy with the team’s health situation.
"It’s amazing to be this deep into the season and have so few serious injuries," Christopherson said.
Some of the luster might have been rubbed off the St. John’s matchup. The Johnnies already have lost two conference games and three overall. But don’t expect Concordia to take this game lightly.
"Since I’ve been here, we haven’t beat St. John’s," said senior linebacker Cory Polzine. "You’re only guaranteed 10 games each season. Saturday is what we practice for. We’ll be ready to go against St. John’s."
Concordia is in position to win its 18th MIAC championship.
"These are championship games," Christopherson said. "Whether St. John’s is playing for a title or not, we are. I told the team there are two things that can stop us right now – injuries or attitude. We can’t control our injuries, but we can control our attitude. It’s up to the players now."