HUDDLE UP The NCAA Division II Showcase will set its spotlight on Mankato, Minnesota this Saturday as the No. 12 University of Minnesota Duluth travels to Blakeslee Stadium to take on the No. 3 Minnesota State University Mavericks in a cross-division clash between the two  remaining undefeated teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Opening kick is set for 2 p.m.

LAST TIME OUT After Bemidji State University scored on its opening drive, UMD pitched a shutout the rest of the way, scoring 42 unanswered points to lay claims to solo possession of first place in the NSIC's North Division. The Bulldogs scored on big plays - three scores of 75+ yards - and in all ways with a Bill Atkins interception return and blocked punt returned by Javien Versey each converted to points in UMD's 18th conescutive win over BSU. Offensively, junior quarterback John Larson threw for 198 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions, while junior tailback Cazz Martin broke off a 77-yard rush to lead the Bulldogs on the ground.

WE'RE GOIN' STREAKING! UMD has not fallen in NSIC competition since Sept. 16, 2017 - the last time the Bulldogs met Minnesota State - a span of 24 consecutive games.

HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS UMD's defense has allowed points in the second half of just 1-of-4 games so far this season, pitching second-half shutouts against Minot State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Bemidji State. The Bulldogs have outscored opponents 104-14 in the second half so far this season.

BULLDOGS IN THE POLLS Adding another victory to its resume helped UMD continue to add confidence from voters as the Bulldogs rose to No. 12 in the latest American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) II Coaches Poll released Monday. Valdosta State (Ga.) University remains the top team in the nation, holding 30-of-32 first-place votes. No. 3 Minnesota State University remains the only other NSIC team in the top 25., while UMD's 457 total points sit 24 back of No. 11 Indianapolis.

NCAA SUPERLATIVES The Bulldog defense took control of yet another game last weekend, forcing five turnovers and allowing just one first quarter score. UMD ranks no. 11 nationally in total defense, allowing 240.5 yards per game, including just 151.0 passing yards (no. 18) and 89.5 rushing yards (no. 25). Those five turnovers  helped the Bulldogs rise to no. 12 nationalls with seven interceptions and no. 13 with 11 total turnovers. Allowing just 59 total first downs on the year, UMD ranks no. 27 in that category as well.

On special teams, the Bulldogs rank no. 8 nationally with three blocked kicks already this season. The team's punt coverage ranks no. 16 allowing just 2.00 yards per return.

Not to be discounted, UMD's offense has created just four turnovers on the season, ranking no. 11 in fumbles lost (1) and no. 42 in passes intercepted (3). The Bulldogs are averaging 14.79 yards per completion, good for no. 35 in NCAA II. The teame ranks no. 27 in total offense at 441.0 yards per game and no. 40 in passing efficiency at 142.23.

Individually, John Larson ranks no. 21 in total offense averaging 282.0 yards per game, including 217.3 passing yards (ranking no. 49) and 64.8 rushing yards (no. 96). He also ranks no. 33 in points averaging 15.5 per game.

Back to the defensive side of the ball, Nate Pearson ranks no. 34 nationally with his 0.88 sacks and no. 49 at 1.5 tackles per loss per game. Barry Moreland and Michael Kirkendoll are each averaging 1.5 passes defended per game, and Moreland's two interceptions rank no. 26.

AGAINST THE COMPETITION UMD remains ahead in the all-time series against Minnesota State, but the Mavericks have closed the gap with victories in each of the last four contests, trimming the Bulldogs' lead to 20-17-1 over time. The two programs have dominated their respective divisions in conference play, but only the Bulldogs can lay claims to 20 conference titles in the NSIC.

LAST MEETING After UMD scored a touchdown with a two-point conversation in the opening quarter, Minnesota State ran off 24 points, holding off the Bulldogs for a 38-23 victory back in 2017. It's a whole new offense for UMD this season - no player who touched the ball rushing, receiving, or passing last time out against the Mavericks remains on the team. Bill Atkins had three tackles among returning defensive players, and Cameron Hausman averaged 38.9 yards on seven punts.

VETERAN LEADERSHIP As far as roster make-up goes, the Bulldogs return 14 seniors, 17 juniors, and 21 sophomores. A total of 18 redshirt freshmen will get their first taste of collegiate competition after training with UMD in their rookie year. The senior class is split right down the middle with six offensive position players, six on defense, and a pair of special teamers.

RUNNING THE TABLE Last fall, UMD went unbeaten and untied during the entire regular season for the sixth time in the program's 86-year history. The Bulldogs also accomplished that feat in 2014, 2010, 2008, 2002 and 1980.

TOP OF THE HEAP ONCE MORE The 2018 Bulldogs claimed a share (with Minnesota State University-Mankato) - of the NSIC title-- their 20th title ever (no school has more) -- and first since 2014. UMD also captured its 11th-straight NSIC North Division championship in 2018.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME Going back to the 2008 opener, the Bulldogs are 57-7 at Malosky Stadium (with two of the losses coming to Minnesota State in 2013 and 2017 and three others to a pair of clubs in the NCAA II playoffs).

LEAVING NOTHING BLANK The Bulldogs haven't been held scoreless in 101- straight games (going back to a 7-0 loss at Wayne State on Sept. 17, 2011) and the last time they were shut out at home was 88 contests ago (28-0 to St. Cloud State on Nov. 6, 2004).

COACHING DOMINANCE Since taking over the Bulldog program five years ago, Curt Wiese has won 67-of-79 games. Only one other NCAA II head coach—Colorado State-Pueblo's John Wristen (68)—has accumulated more victories during that stretch.

A NEW-LOOK SIDELINE Bulldog Country will have to get use to some new (but familiar) faces joining head coach Curt Wiese on the sideline as former Bulldog All-American quarterback Chase Vogler returns to campus to claim the offensive coordinator position. He is not alone, bringing another UMD All-American with him as Garth Heikkinen will now oversee the offensive line. Former standout wide receiver Jason Balts will serve as an intern assistant coach working with the running backs after wrapping his career in 2018, while Luke Bacon, a four-time NCAA FCS National Champion at North Dakota State, will work with the tight ends. Additionally, Trey Dill has been promoted to defensive coordinator after working with the defensive line the past eight years.

CAPTAIN IN COMMAND Senior defensive back Bill Atkins, senior linebacker Isaac Erdmann, senior defensive lineman Tom Johnson,  junior quarterback John Larson, and junior wide receiver Johnny McCormick will serve as the team captains this season for UMD.

THESE 'DOGS HAD THEIR DAY A total of 21 Bulldogs received some kind of All-NSIC North Division recognition in 2018. Headlining the list of honorees was center Jason Anderson (2017, 2018) and nose tackle Dre Greer (2016, 2018), who both earned All-NSIC North Division first team status for the second time in their respective careers, as well as Matt Juneau, a four-time All-NSIC North Division offensive tackle (first team in 2018, second team in 2015-16 and honorable mention last fall). Accompanying that senior trio on the 27-member All-NSIC North Division first team were six other Bulldogs -- senior cornerback Tareq Abulebbeh, senior linebacker Alex Helmer, sophomore quarterback John Larson, senior strong safety Sam Lynch, sophomore linebacker Nate Pearson and senior offensive tackle Trapper Ward. UMD placed another nine players on the second team, including junior free safety Bill Atkins, junior linebacker Isaac Erdmann, junior defensive end Tom Johnson, sophomore offensive guard Noah LeBlanc, sophomore cornerback Michael Kirkendoll, senior wide out Nate Ricci, redshirt freshman running back Wade Sullivan, senior linebacker Gus Wedig and senior offensive guard Joe Yernatich.  In addition, honorable mention recognition was secured by senior tight end Tyler Lattery, redshirt freshman tight end Zach Ojile and sophomore defensive end Emmanuel Tetteh-Jada.

AND THIS 'DOG DID, TOO John Steger, who wrapped his 18th season with UMD in 2018, was named the NSIC Assistant Coach of the Year, an award that debuted last season. This year, Steger has been promoted to Associate Head Coach and taken over duties overseeing the special teams.

UMD ALL-AMERICANS The Bulldogs boasted four All-American honorees last season, including a Football Gazette First Team selection in linebacker Alex Helmer. Offensive lineman Matt Juneau earned Second Team honors from the AFCA, while the Football Gazette named linemates Jason Anderson and Trapper Ward among its Honorable Mentions.

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