THE MATCHUP Minnesota Duluth will stay at home this weekend, Oct. 8, where they will kick off at 12 p.m. against UMary. This matchup will be the second divisional play for both teams. In the all-time series against UMary that dates back to 2006, UMD is undefeated 14-0. At home this season the Bulldogs are 3-0. UMD last kicked off against the Marauders on Oct. 9, 2021 in Bismarck, ND. Minnesota Duluth took the win home after a close 31-27 game.
Logan Graetz made four-touchdown passes including two to
Byron Bynum. Bynum's first touchdown of that game was a long 35 yard pass.
Sam Pitz also recorded a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to take the lead back for UMD. The Bulldog defense made three sacks for a loss of 15 yards.
LAST TIME OUT Last weekend, UMD came out victorious against Minnesota State Moorhead in a 36-28 game. The win gave Minnesota Duluth their first divisional game win and boosted them to a 3-2 record. Leading up to the Bulldogs first touchdown of the game, the Dragon's punt from their one yard line went only eight yards, leaving UMD in the red zone. Just two plays later
Zach Ojile rushed seven yards to the end zone for UMD's first of five touchdowns. In the second quarter,
Wade Sullivan made a touchdown pass to
Sam Pitz. UMD made a successful two-point conversion with a rush from
Noah Skifton. The Bulldogs had a strong offensive first half, leading 22-7. In the third quarter,
Zach Ojile notched another touchdown with a deep 26-yard pass. To extend their lead in the last quarter,
Rayshion Brumfield made an interception and gained 10 yards. In hopes to capitalize on the turnover, UMD made 11 plays on 60 yards.
Garrett Olson made a five yard touchdown pass to Ojile, for his third of the game.
CAPTAIN OJILE WITH A TIGHT SHIP Tight end, two-time captain,
Zach Ojile had a field day against the Dragons. Ojile scored three touchdowns to propel the Bulldogs lead. Ojile tallied 11 rushing and 46 receiving yards. His longest reception was 26 yards from Olson. With those stats Ojile recorded new season highs in rushing touchdowns, reception yards, longest reception, and receiving touchdowns.
TOP 'DOGS The Bulldog defense continues to hold their place at the top. UMD is ranked second in the NSIC and 19th nationally for total defense. They are also ranked second in the conference for red-zone defense.
Dayvia Gbor, with three, still sits at first in the conference for interceptions. UMD's special teams for kickoff is ranked first in the NSIC and third nationally for return defense.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS UMary has an overall record of 1-4, and have gone 0-2 on the road. UMary had their first win in overtime last weekend against Northern State, 27-26. The Marauders had a late start to the game. UMary went into the second half down by 14 points. With two late touchdowns they tied the score up 20-20, that ultimately led the game to overtime. Northern State scored the first touchdown in OT but missed the field goal. UMary got by the Wolves with a 21 yard pass to Collin Gapen in the end zone. They secured the win by one point with a good field goal following the OT touchdown. Their offense put up a total of 291 offensive yards in 63 plays. Their quarterback Jesse Forknell was named the NSIC offensive player of the week. Forknell made 264 yards passing for three touchdowns, and made a 55 yard pass for his longest of the game. Forknell has posted 305 total passing yards in the 2022 season. The wolves got by the offensive lineman and were able to sack Forknell five times for a loss of 29 yards. To lead the Marauders defense in sacks was Devin Beck with nine. Defensive lineman Ian Kopf was named special teams player of the week with two blocked punts. Though UMary has a record of 1-4, they have had close games against some tough opponents. The Bulldogs will be locked in and ready to take on the Marauders this Saturday.
