MINOT, N.D. – You can count on the Beavers to bring the energy, because that is what they just did versus Sioux Falls on 'Energy Day.' Following a slow start, the Beavers settled in to take control of matters the rest of the way.

Minot State put together an impressive rally Saturday afternoon, highlighted by a three-yard rushing touchdown from Sam Buckhanan to erase a 16-14 third-quarter deficit to take down Sioux Falls 26-22.

The Beavers improved to 4-1 on the year and 3-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, while the Cougars fell to 3-2 and 2-2. Furthermore, it was the Beavers first win over Sioux Falls since 1994 and the most wins in a season in the D2 era.

Head Coach Ian Shields was pleased with the turnaround and resilience of his players following the first quarter. "We came out slow. We weren't crisp, we made some uncharacteristic plays and decisions, and we just didn't start well. But after that, the second quarter, we turned it around with two 75-80+ drives there to close out the second quarter. I thought that was huge going into halftime," Shields said.

Evan Lovett paced the Beavers rushing attack by accumulating 77 yards over the course of the game, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Carson Chrisman also added 60 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Sam Buckhanan chipped in with 56 yards and two touchdowns as well, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

Cody Grossinger helped drive the Minot State defensive effort, recording 3 tackles and 1 recovered fumble. Julian Kameristy added three tackles, 1.0 TFL, and 1 sack in the win.

Both Minot State and Sioux Falls forced one turnover in Saturday's contest, with Minot State turning that takeaway into three points. The Beavers recorded a stellar performance on the ground, racking up 271 rushing yards while averaging 3.9 yards per carry and out-rushing Sioux Falls by 186 yards. The Minot State offense did a good job prolonging drives, converting 52.9 percent of third-down attempts. The Beavers also went 3-for-3 on fourth down.

Minot State's defense held up well against Sioux Falls' offense, giving up 255 total yards.

The Beavers indeed ramped up the energy, as they did a lot to contain the talent on the Cougars side.

"It certainly helps…their quarterback is very talented, a dual-threat guy. We were really concerned about him going into the game. Their receivers, they do a great job with their tight ends which got us a little bit actually," Shields remarked. "That's a good Sioux Falls football team right there. That's a really good team, that's a huge win for us to beat a quality team like that and it's great."

Coach also gave props to the hometown crowd, who has been huge in support for the Beavers this season. The fans have cheered them on to a 3-0 record at the Herb so far in the 2024 campaign.

"We believe we have a great home-field advantage here in the Magic City and Beaver nation has something to support now and our kids deserve to be supported," coach Shields noted.
 
How It Happened
Minot State responded to an early 13-0 Sioux Falls advantage with a second quarter touchdown to narrow the deficit to 13-7. Sioux Falls increased its lead to 16-7, but the Beavers responded with a touchdown to cut into the lead to 16-14.

Minot State followed with a three-yard touchdown run at the 13:18 mark in the fourth quarter and grabbed a 20-16 lead in the process. The Beavers kept building their advantage, scoring again to go on top 23-16.

Minot State kept on the gas pedal, scoring again with 1:09 left in the fourth quarter to go up 26-16. Minot State didn't score the rest of the way and Sioux Falls tacked on six more points to finish off the game on an offensive pass interference call that was declined by the Beavers.

Game Notes
» Minot State outgained Sioux Falls 285-255, including a 271-85 advantage on the ground.
» Minot State had their highest scoring quarter in the second period, when they put up 14 points.
» Minot State converted 9 of 17 third downs while Sioux Falls was successful on 5 of 9.
» Minot State went 3-for-3 on fourth down, converting on 100 percent of attempts.
» Minot State won the time of possession battle 39:55 to 20:05.
» The Beavers offense came out of halftime firing on all cylinders, scoring 12 unanswered the rest of the way.
» Camden Dean led the Cougars passing attack, completing 17 of his 24 attempts for 170 yards and three touchdowns.
» Carter Slykhuis was Sioux Falls' leading receiver with 59 yards and two touchdowns.

This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.