HUDDLE UP The No. 23-ranked University of Minnesota Duluth football program returns to the Malosky Stadium turf looking for a bounce-back effort on Homecoming in another cross-divisional Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference match-up against Wayne State (Neb.) College. Opening kick is set for just after 1 p.m. in Duluth.

LAST TIME OUT A pair of first-half turnovers and an early lead for No. 3 Minnesota State proved too much for the Bulldogs, who have established themselves as comeback artists early this season, to overcome as then-No. 12 UMD fell to the Mavericks in the battle of the NSIC's final two unbeaten teams last Saturday. Sophomore quarterback Garrett Olson went 8-for-16 with 130 yards through the air in the second half, scoring the Bulldogs' lone touchdown of the day on an eight-yard pass to sophomore wideout Armani Carmickle.

SNAPPED UMD's streak of 24 consecutive victories in NSIC competition ended last Saturday as the Bulldogs fell to Minnesota State. That streak began following the team's previous meeting with the Mavericks back on Sept. 16, 2017.

HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS UMD's defense has allowed points in the second half of just 2-of-5 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 111-31 in the second half so far this season.

BULLDOGS IN THE POLLS A rare defeat for UMD last weekend saw the Bulldogs slip 11 spots in this week's American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Poll announced Monday. The Bulldogs slotted in at No. 23 this week, remaining the second-highest ranked team in the NSIC behind No.3 Minnesota State.

NCAA SUPERLATIVES Despite suffering its first defeat of the season, UMD's defense still ranks in the upper echelon of NCAA II in several categories. The team's two defensive TDs rank no. 13 in the nation and its seven interceptions rank no. 30. The team ranks no. 39 in total defense, allowing just 307.0 yards per game, including 129.0 rushing yards (no. 58) and 178.0 passing yards (no. 39). Averaging 8.4 tackles per loss per game, UMD also ranks no. 21 in the nation.

Offensively, UMD has had just four passes intercepted, good for no. 46 in the country. The team ranks no. 50 in total offense (404.0), no. 70 in passing yards (221.4), and no. 42 in rushing yards (182.6).

Already this season, specials teams have played a key role for the Bulldogs with four blocked kicks, good for no. 5 in the nation. 

Junior quarterback John Larson ranks no. 44 in the nation and second in the NSIC averaging 242.2 all-purpose yards for UMD. He also ranks no. 44 in passing efficiency (138.7 rating), no. 40 in touchdowns (nine), , and no. 21 in yards per completion at 14.98.

Defensively, Nate Pearson has averaged nearly a sack per game (0.90), good for no. 25 nationally. 

AGAINST THE COMPETITION UMD has had Wayne State's number in the series history with just one defeat to its resume against the Wildcats in 14 meetings. That lone defeat came in the 2011 season, a 7-0 road loss which also happens to be the last time UMD has been shut out.

LAST MEETING Wayne State put a scare into the Bulldogs, forcing two overtimes before Dan Branger knocked in a 27-yard field goal to give UMD a 34-31 victory in Wayne, Nebraska back on Sept. 23, 2017. Obi Ibeneme hauled in three receptions for 43 yards in the win, the lone returning Bulldog to touch the ball in the contest. Current UMD assistant Jason Balts had nine receptions and 217 yards receiving. Branger hit two field goals, Cameron Hausman averaged 32.0 punt yards. Bill Atkins, Justic'e King, Nate Pearson, and Tom Johnson each collected two tackles in the victory.

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 102- 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-80 games. Only one other NCAA II head coach—Colorado State-Pueblo's John Wristen (69)—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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