MINOT STATE 2-DEEP                        MINNESOTA DULUTH 2-DEEP

GAME NOTES

GAME PROGRAM

MINOT, N.D. – The hard work and determination paid off for the Beavers last weekend with a win, and now Minot State looks to start a win streak.

Coming off a solid team effort in a 17-14 home victory over Upper Iowa, the Beaver football team goes for a second straight as they host Minnesota State Duluth on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m. at Herb Parker Stadium. CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

"Winning is hard, and it doesn't matter if you are undefeated or haven't won a game, when you put in the time and effort and performance, and come up just short, it eats away at the confidence," Minot State football coach Mike Aldrich said. "We have been improving and starting to find a rhythm during the month of October and it was good for us to realize a true victory because it reinforces the process and builds confidence."

While the Beavers scored their first win of the fall, the then-16^th-ranked Bulldogs (6-2, 3-1 NSIC North) fell out of the Top 25 rankings with a 42-35 loss at home to visiting Bemidji State last weekend.

Here is a quick look at this weekend's matchup:
LAST TIME OUT (MINOT): Ali Mohamed ran for a touchdown, Dawson Macleary threw a touchdown pass to Joemah Norman, and the Beavers defense came up with a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions to seal a 17-14 comeback win over Upper Iowa.

Dillon Fedor's 23-yard field goal midway through the third quarter broke a 14-14 tie, then the Minot State defense held tough as Carson Chrisman's first collegiate interception, in the end zone, staved off one comeback attempt by the Peacocks. Roma'n Grissett's late interception then helped seal the victory for Minot State.

Mohamed, who leads the NSIC in total rushing yards (868 yards), ran for 99 yards on 24 carries in the win, while Macleary completed 19-of-32 passes for 292 yards in the win.

Peyton Lamoureux recorded his third 100-yard receiving game of the season as he caught five passes for 110 yards for Minot State, which got nine tackles from Jonathan Leon and eight tackles from Jordan Will, as they led the defense.

LAST TIME OUT (DULUTH): The Bulldogs looked to be well in control on top 35-21 late in the third quarter at home against Bemidji State, but a pair of fourth-quarter turnovers helped the visiting Beavers rally for three scores and a 42-35 victory.

Six-foot-4 freshman quarterback Logan Graetz and 6-1 senior wide receiver Armani Carmickle led the way teaming up for a pair of touchdowns, the final one a 26-yard score with 1:54 left in the third quarter that gave Minnesota Duluth a comfortable 14-point lead. Graetz finished the day completing 24-of-35 passes for 261 yards, while Carmickle had 10 receptions for 132 yards.

Five-7 senior running back Cazz Martin balanced out the passing attack with a strong performance running the ball as he rushed for 131 yards and two more scorers for the Bulldogs, who led 21-7 in the first half after Martin's second TD run, a 69-yard explosion.

Defensively, 5-10 senior defensive back led the way with four tackles, a sack, and an interception for Minnesota Duluth, which also recovered a fumble and got seven tackles each from 5-11 senior defensive back Austin Kurylo, 5-11 junior linebacker Brad Dati, and 6-2 senior defensive lineman Dan Monson.

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS: Balance is key on offense for the Bulldogs who run the ball (306 rushes) just a bit more than they throw it (235 passes), but they do both well as they average 416.6 yards per game on offense with 1,420 yards rushing and 1,913 yards passing.

Leading the way on offense is Martin who averages an insane 7.0 yards per carry (105 carries for 730 yards, 7 TDs) and is fourth in the NSIC in total rushing yards. He's aided in the backfield by 5-8 senior running back Wade Sullivan who has run the ball 78 times for 262 yards and a touchdown.

While they lead the ground game, the passing game has been taken over by Graetz who has started the last four games for the Bulldogs completing 62-of-104 passes for 813 yards and nine touchdowns. He replaced 6-1 senior John Larson following a loss to Wayne State. Larson has completed 60-of-110 passes for 958 yards and 10 TDs this fall.

"As always, we must continue to focus on getting better within our own scheme, however, we must prepare for what their offensive strengths are and take those away," Coach Aldrich said.

While offensive balance is a key for Minnesota State Duluth, defense sets the tone as the Bulldogs lead the NSIC in quarterback sacks with 25, and in fewest yards allowed per game giving up 289.6 yards per contest. The Bulldogs also are No. 2 in the league allowing just 86 yards per game on the ground to opponents.
Dati leads the defense with 54 tackles while 6-2 senior linebacker Nate Pearson has 36 tackles, which includes 6 ½ sacks, which is No. 2 in the NSIC.

"UMD has always been good on defense and I have a great deal of respect for their coaches and players," Minot State's coach said. "They attack you from every direction and fly to the ball. We can't get caught chasing ghosts and be solid in our blocking assignments and execution.

"Our run game has been a strength of ours and we need to continue working hard in that area, and our passing game needs to be efficient and effective."

COACH ALDRICH'S KEYS TO THE GAME: "Offensively, we have to stay patient with the game plan and minimize negative plays," he said. "Defensively, we must be solid tacklers and minimize explosive plays.

"As a team, we must have a positive turnover margin and win the hidden yardage battle."

LOOKING AHEAD: The Beavers start their final two weekends of the season on the road, playing in-state rival the University of Mary in the Battle for the Big Lake trophy on Saturday, Nov. 6, in Bismarck with kick-off at 2 p.m.

Following the rivalry matchup, Minot State returns home to close out the season hosting Concordia-St. Paul on Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. The final game of the season will be a special day as it will be "Senior Day" for the Beavers, as well. PURCHASE TICKETS FOR SEASON FINALE