LAST TIME OUT In the Bulldogs season opener they came out victorious against the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs 31-21. The Bulldogs played a close game after the Mustangs tied it up in the third quarter, but Noah Skifton scored a touchdown in the fourth to secure the win. Collectively, UMD notched 441 total offensive yards against SMSU. 
THE MATCHUP In the overall series against the Mavericks, the Bulldogs lead 21-18-1. The last matchup against Minnesota State was last season for UMD's home opener. The Bulldogs had a stellar game against the Mavericks, where they won 30-10 and broke a five game losing streak, dating back to 2011. That game started off early, after Armani Carmickle caught a 42-yard pass to score the first touchdown of the game. MSU is going to put up a fight in this upcoming game, but the Bulldogs are ready to get to work and continue their win streak. 
IN CONTROL In week one, though a close game against the Mustangs, the Bulldogs controlled the ball. They posted 441 total offensive yards, compared to SMSU's 306 yards. The 'Dogs also led possession 36:23 minutes to 23:37 minutes. The Mustang's started the game off first but were forced to punt. The Bulldogs came in on their first possession of the night with a 10 play drive and their first touchdown of the night by Byron Bynum on a six yard scamper. Going into the fourth the game was tied up, but UMD shut the door on SMSU's offense. They closed the win out in the last quarter with a touchdown and field goal.
STRONG DEFENSE The Bulldog defense had a strong first game against the Mustangs. Dayvia Gbor was credited for UMD's two interceptions, along with two assisted tackles. They also recorded three sacks for a loss of 26 yards, one of which was from Drew Hennessey who's sack lost 12 yards. Logan Eiden made a fumble recovery late in the second quarter that gave the offense another drive that ended in a touchdown. Leading the Bulldogs in tackles was Brad Dati with nine of the 43. After a strong first game, the Bulldogs will need to continue strong play in their upcoming matchup. 
HOT START The win over Southwest Minnesota State made UMD's record four straight years of home opener wins. The streak started in 2018, where UMD played in the first round of the NCAA tournament and finished with a 11-1 record. Starting off the 2022 campaign with a win is the step in the right direction and a momentum boost for the upcoming games. 
BATTLE OF THE NSIC ELITES Each year UMD or MSU find themselves near the top of the NSIC standings. Both teams have had success and a share of a championship title in the last few seasons. Last year UMD was tied for the NSIC championship title and Minnesota State was crowned 2019 South Division Champions. 
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS Minnesota State and Bemidji State played a close game but the Mavericks came out on top 37-34. The Mavericks's win was the third straight victory against the Beavers and added to their overall series win 33-15-1. Though coming out with the win, MSU trailed with total offense yards 331-425. Quarterbacks Mitch Randall and Hayden Ekern threw for 135 and 100 yards, respectively, and completed one touchdown each. However, they also had an interception and sack. The likely starter against UMD will be Mitch Randall, however red-shirt freshman Jalen Cunningham will be dressing and ready to see action. Jalen Sample led the team in receiving yards with 92 and found the end zone twice. Sophomore Maven Kretche notched the solo sack for a loss of 10 yards. Senior Alijah McGhee, who was named the NSIC defenseman of the week, assisted the defense with one interception, and a 70 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Minnesota State will be hungry for another win this weekend. 
The Bulldogs will play at Minnesota State on Saturday Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.