Behind a record-tying performance from John Larson, the No. 23 ranked University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs rolled past Upper Iowa 41-14 on Thursday evening. Larson posted six passing touchdowns on the day, tying him for the most in school history with Ted Schlafke. Additionally, wide receiver Armani Carmickle set a new school record for average yards per catch with 41.8 yards. The win gives UMD a 1-0 record on the season.
 
In the game, Larson notched a total of 447 passing yards, just 10 yards short of the single game record of 457 yards, also held by Schlafke. On the receiving end, both Kurtis Weigand and Carmickle secured two touchdowns each, while Johnny McCormick and Zach Ojile both caught one each. On the defensive side of the ball, both Marcus Glodowski and Brad Dati turned in five tackles each, while Nate Pearson and Joe Kordus had four each. Additionally, Austin Kurylo and Glowdoski both tallied interceptions in the win.
 
"It felt great to be back on the field and compete," said Head Coach Curt Wiese. "Every team has put a lot of work in to get back to this point. Our team played a good football game tonight in all three phases but also, we can be better. We are very proud of the overall effort and look forward to another opportunity to compete next week." 

The first possession of the game saw a strong defensive stand by the UMD defense. The Bulldogs forced a Peacock three-and-out to get their offense on the field. During UMD's first drive of the season, Larson connected on a long pass down field throw to Carmickle to set the Bulldogs up with a first and goal opportunity. Two plays later, Larson found Weigand on a fade route in the corner of the endzone to give Minnesota Duluth a 7-0 lead. 
 
Following another three-and-out by Upper Iowa, UMD's offense went back to work. Consecutive third down and long conversions gave the Bulldogs an opportunity inside the Peacock RedZone. On the first play of the second quarter, Larson hit the fellow 6th-year senior McCormick cutting across the field to extend UMD's lead. The Bulldogs led 13-0 after a failed two-point conversion. 
 
On Upper Iowa's next possession, the redshirt senior Kurylo jumped a route and intercepted a pass within Peacock territory. For Kurylo, it's the second interception of his Bulldog career. The UMD offense wasted no time adding to their lead. Ojile would find the endzone after a perfectly executed screen pass from Larson. The score gave UMD a 20-0 lead early in the second quarter. 
 
A few minutes later, Upper Iowa got on the board after Peacock receiver found themselves wide open in the middle of the field. The UIU touchdown came midway through the second quarter, and cut the Bulldogs lead to 20-7. On UMD's next possession, Cazz Martin used speed and elusiveness to tally a massive gain and move the ball into Upper Iowa's end of the field. A few plays later, Larson notched his fourth touchdown of the game as he again connected with Weigand. The score gave the Bulldogs a 27-7 advantage. Following a missed UIU field goal, Duluth's offense kept up the pressure. Carmickle would find himself wide open in the middle of the field. Larson secured his fifth touchdown of the first half as he hit Carmickle in-stride to give the Bulldogs a 34-7 lead heading into the half.  
 
Strong defense on both sides of the ball kept points off the board in the third quarter. The Bulldogs took a 34-7 lead into the final quarter. Early in the fourth frame, Upper Iowa used a QB scramble touchdown to cut the UMD lead to 34-14. Late in the fourth quarter, the UMD offense had one final push. Larson hit Carmickle up the middle for an 84-yard touchdown catch, giving the Bulldogs a 41-14 lead. UMD would runout the clock and get the win on the road. 
 
Up Next
The Bulldogs will return home next weekend for a matchup with Minnesota State. Kick-off from James S. Malosky Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 PM on Saturday, September 11. Live stats for that game can be found here, while live video can be found here.