Four-straight field goals to start the game from UMD kicker
Curtis Cox helped the No. 18 Bulldogs defeat Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday afternoon in Duluth. The win pushes Minnesota Duluth to a 6-1 record on the season and a share of first place in the NSIC North Division.
"I thought our guys came out and played with good focus and energy all game," said Head Coach
Curt Wiese. "This was partly due to the homecoming crowd and great student section. That was a team win."
On the day, Cox went four for six on field goals, including a 51-yarder with just one minute remaining in the first half. For the third consecutive week quarterback
Logan Graetz got the start for UMD. The transfer from NDSU went 15 for 26 with 264 total yards and two touchdown passes.
Armani Carmickle continued his outstanding play as he notched 149 receiving yards on just seven receptions.
Cazz Martin chipped in a rushing touchdown and a total of 81 rushing yards on the day to help secure the win.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker
Brad Dati led UMD with eight total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Defensive back
Austin Kurylo tallied four solo tackles and six total tackles, while
Michael Kirkendoll notched his third career interception in the win.
Nate Pearson, who's closing in on the all-time sacks lead in program history, posted three tackles and 0.5 sacks on the day.
The first half proved to be a defensive stalemate with neither team finding the end zone. With 1:16 remaining on the clock in the second quarter, the Bulldogs took over at their own 14-yard line. A 12-yard pass completion to
Johnny McCormick gave UMD a first down and moved the chains. Following pass receptions by McCormick and
Wade Sullivan, Graetz spiked the ball at the CSP 34-yard line to give Cox an opportunity for a last-second field goal. Cox knocked down the 51-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead headed into the half.
Cox would get three more opportunities in the third quarter. The Dodgeville, Wis., native would connect on field goals from 28, 31, and 33-yards out to give the Bulldogs a 12-0 advantage heading to the final frame.
An 18-yard touchdown pass from Graetz to McCormick early in the fourth quarter extended UMD's lead to 19-0. However, just 12 seconds later, the Golden Bears used a 67-yard touchdown pass to get on the board and make the score 19-7 in favor of Duluth. The Bulldogs would respond on their next drive with a 10-yard touchdown run from Martin. On the play, UMD quarterback
John Larson would lineup as a tight end and deliver the crucial block that allowed Martin to find the end zone. Graetz would connect with
Josh Pitz for a 26-yard touchdown with just 2:43 remaining in the game to add to the Bulldogs lead. UMD would walk away with a 33-13 victory on homecoming weekend in Duluth.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will be back at home on Saturday, Oct. 23 for a 2 PM kickoff with the Bemidji State Beavers.
