After an explosive offensive performance and standout defensive showing in last week's homecoming game, Minot State football looks to carry that momentum into Saturday when the Beavers travel to Bemidji, Minnesota, to take on the Bemidji State University Beavers (1-3).

Although there is still plenty of football left to be played, Minot State recognizes the importance of capitalizing on their recent production and continuing to build toward a positive finish to the season. The Beavers will look to do just that this weekend.

"The message is to go 1-0 this week," head coach Ian Shields said. "Every game has a life of its own."

Saturday will mark Minot State's second road game and fifth game of the season. The Beavers currently sit at 1-3 overall and 1-2 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play, while continuing to rank among the nation's top offensive teams.

Minot State currently ranks No. 2 in the country in rushing offense and No. 8 in pass yards per completion.

Leading the Beavers' rushing attack is Brandon Hines Jr., who currently ranks No. 5 in the nation with 606 rushing yards. Sam Buckhanan follows with 214 rushing yards, while Jett Lundeen has 208 and Jaden Fox has 190.

Defensively, Minot State has allowed an average of 27 points per game. Austin Young leads the Beavers with 27 total tackles, followed by Calvin Moore with 25 total tackles and three pass breakups. Conner Raetzman has recorded 21 total tackles. In the secondary, Diego Betancourt leads the way in air defense with two interceptions and one pass breakup.

Minot State will look to combine their defensive production with high-powered offense against a formidable Bemidji State opponent.

"Bemidji is always a tough opponent," Shields said. "Whoever makes the best plays and makes the plays in critical situations will find a way to win."

The Beavers have begun to hit their stride on both sides of the ball, accumulating 150 points through the first four games while allowing 109. Minot State has also produced nearly 1,500 total yards so far this season.

While standout players such as Hines Jr., Young, and Lundeen sit atop the individual leaderboards, Minot State continues to emphasize the importance of playing together as a team.

"This is a group that is committed to each other," Shields said.

The Beavers will look to put that commitment into action on Saturday against Bemidji State as they continue their push through the NSIC schedule.

Minot State takes on Bemidji State at Chet Anderson Stadium in Bemidji, Minnesota, this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Minot State: Top 25 in the country in the following: 
    •    Scoring Offense #22 (37.7) 
    •    Total Offense #15 (456.2) 
    •    Rushing Offense #2 (359.2) 
    •    3rd Down % #22 (50.9%) 
    •    Fewest Penalties PG #17 (4.25) 
    •    First Downs #3 (101) 
    •    Pass Yds Per Comp-#8 (17.4) 
    •    Sacks Allowed #10 (.50) 
    •    Turnover Margin #22 (1.25) 

Players to Watch 

OFFENSE 

• Brandon Hines Jr. (#2) 

• Jett Lundeen (#16) 

• Sam Buckhanan (#44) 

• Jaden Fox (#30) 

DEFENSE 

• Austin Young (#8) 

• Calvin Moore (#9) 

• Conner Raetzman (#20) 

• Jabez Tuaoa (#10)