Minot State put together a huge 302-yard output on the ground and two rushing touchdowns, but fell 31-24 to Minnesota State-Moorhead Saturday afternoon at home at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium.
The Dragons improved to 4-2 on the year and 3-2 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, while the Beavers fell to 1-5 overall and 1-4 in NSIC conference matchups.
"It's frustrating," head coach Ian Shields said. "There's a lot of good things happening, we're playing competitive football."
Brandon Hines Jr. totaled 97 yards to lead the Beavers' ground attack and added one touchdown in the game, picking up 5.4 yards per carry along the way. Jett Lundeen also tacked on 74 yards and one touchdown on the ground, picking up 4.4 yards per carry. Sam Buckhanan chipped in with 61 yards as well, picking up 7.6 yards per carry with a 45 yard run to help get the Beavers in the red zone.
Matyas Bily reeled in three catches for 52 yards and one touchdown.
Calvin Moore led the Minot State defensive effort, recording three tackles and one interception. Julian Kameristy added four tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack, as well as Vila Jozama who had three tackles in the loss.
"There were opportunities to win that game," Shields said. "We're right there, we're playing good football, and we're better than our record shows."
The Beavers forced one turnover in Saturday's contest, with Minot State turning that takeaway into seven points. Minot State had a stellar outing on the ground, logging 302 rushing yards while averaging 6 yards per carry and out-rushing Minnesota State-Moorhead by 144 yards.
Defensively, Minot State held up fairly well against the Minnesota State-Moorhead rushing attack, holding the Dragons to 158 yards on the ground.
"It's a process, and it's a painful process," Shields added. "You can feel how close it is, it's right there to be had."
How It Happened
Minot State responded to an early 7-0 Minnesota State-Moorhead lead with a first quarter field goal to narrow the deficit to 7-3.The Beavers then took the lead on a 23-yard rushing touchdown from Brandon Hines Jr., making the score 10-7.
Minnesota State-Moorhead then grabbed a 14-10 lead, but Minot State responded at the :29 remaining mark in the second quarter with a 16-yard touchdown reception from Lundeen to Bily to jump back ahead 17-14. Minnesota State-Moorhead then took control of the lead, building a 24-17 advantage before the Beavers scored again with a one-yard touchdown run from Lundeen to tie up the game at 24-24. Minot State didn't score again in the game and Minnesota State-Moorhead tacked on 7 more points to finish off the scoring.
"Keep buying in, keep working hard, and play winning football down the stretch. That's what needs to happen and that's what is possible," said Shields.
The Beavers take on the University of Jamestown next weekend in Jamestown, ND on Saturday, October 10 at 2 p.m.
Game Notes
» Minnesota State-Moorhead out-gained Minot State 391-364 in the contest.
» Minot State had their highest scoring quarter in the second period, when they put up 14 points.
» Minot State converted 4 of 11 third downs while Minnesota State-Moorhead was successful on 5 of 11.
» Jabez Tuaoa led the Beavers with nine tackles.
» Minot State went 2-for-3 on fourth down, converting on 66.7 percent of attempts.
» The Beavers didn't allow a sack in the contest.
» Minot State won the time of possession battle 30:14 to 28:17.
» Drew Huebner led the Dragons passing attack, completing 14 of his 25 attempts for 233 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
