NSIC: Bemidji State makes statement against UMD

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Football “Gang-Green” defense made a statement against the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s third highest scoring offense in University of Minnesota Duluth and held the Bulldogs to just 16 points en route to a 41-16 win. The Beavers (6-2) now sit alone atop the NSIC North Division standings with a perfect 4-0 divisional record.

The Beavers’ offense dominated as well and as the league’s top scoring offense and seventh in DII, scored over 40 points for the fifth consecutive game. Bemidji State gained 464 yards on offense to record 400 or more total yards in every game this season. The Beavers gained 177 yards on the ground while totaling 287 yards through the air.

The Gang-Green defense forced a season-high three interceptions in the game and totaled five sacks. The Beavers got off to a slow start in the game but held the Bulldogs to just three points in the first quarter while BSU was held off the scoreboard. Bemidji State broke through 2:27 into the second quarter when Princeton Harris intercepted a Bulldogs pass at the Beavers’ own five-yard line. BSU then traveled 95 yards over 12 plays and scored from a Jalen Frye four-yard touchdown run, his seventh score of the season. After the Beavers forced a long field goal attempt that was missed on UMD’s ensuing drive, BSU extended its lead to 14-3 after junior Brandon Alt hit Brendan Beaulieu for a 34-yard touchdown pass for his ninth touchdown of the season the 28th of his career to set a new program record for most career receiving touchdowns. The Beavers would add another score before the half’s end after another interception by the defense this time by Jarrett Klein who returned it all the way to the Bulldogs’ 12-yard line. The Beavers then scored six more points when Superior, Wis., native Jarrett Gronski scored on a six-yard rush with just 57 seconds left in the second quarter. Bemidji State received the ball in the second half and scored on its opening possession that started on their own 18-yard line. Sam McGath put the Beavers up 27-3 with a one-yard touchdown rush.

The Bulldogs then responded with a 31-yard touchdown run from Kyle Walljasper to make it 27-10 but BSU answered right back when Alt connected with senior Dhel Duncan-Busby for a 42-yard touchdown pass. UMD would add a late touchdown in the fourth quarter as well as the Beavers, a 22-yard scamper by Gronski, and the Beavers would claim victory by score of 41-16. Groski led the Beavers on the ground by rushing for a career-high 90 yards on 11 attempts and scored two touchdowns. He was followed by Sage Booker with 65 yards on seven attempts. Alt finished the game completing 11-of-21 passes for 287 yards, two touchdowns and three one interception.

Juniour quarterback Brandon Alt (Cottage Grove, Minn./Park H.S.) makes a throw in Bemidji State’s win over UMD. Alt completed 11 passes for 287 yards. Photo by BSU Photo Services

Sophomore Sam McGath turns upfield against UMD. Photo by BSU Photo Services

His main target was Duncan-Busby who caught four passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. He was followed by Beaulieu with 72 yards off two catches and one touchdown while Andrew Manuele caught one pass for 32 yards. Harris caught two interceptions for the first time in his career while Klein caught the other for his second interception of the season. Harris now leads the Beavers with four interceptions this season.

Colton Herman led the Beavers with 13 tackles including six solo while Colbey Wadsworth followed with 10 and had 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. Max Buduris led the Beavers with 2.5 sacks and totaled five tackles. The Beavers have now won six consecutive games and will attempt to keep their streak alive next Saturday when they travel to Marshall, Minn., to take on Southwest Minnesota State University. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. For more information on the Bemidji State football program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/ BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversFB).

Bemidji State cracks national rankings

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – In the first NCAA DII Football Regional rankings of 2022 announced by the NCAA, the Bemidji State University football team is one of 10 teams featured in the Super Region Four rankings. The Beavers are one of six teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference to be listed as a team under consideration. New to this year is teams will be announced as under consideration for the first week and listed alphabetical order instead of the traditional ranking system.

For the complete rankings, click here.

Bemidji State owns a 6-2 record this season and is receiving votes in the latest American Football Coaches’ Association national poll after winning its sixth consecutive game Saturday. The NSIC, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the Lone Star Conference (LSC) make up the 34team NCAA Super Region Four this season.

The Division II Football Championship provides for a maximum field of 28 teams. 12 first-round games will be conducted on the campus of one of the competing institutions. The top seed in each selection region (super region) will receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

The NCAA DII Football selection show is set to air on NCAA.com on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. (CT). For more information on the Bemidji State football program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/ BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversFB). Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooden region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, BSU sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).