On the road in Sioux Falls, S.D. Saturday afternoon, the University of Minnesota Duluth football team fell to the University of Sioux Falls 24-21 at Bob Young Field.

The Cougars got on the scoreboard first, kicking a successful 27-yard field goal after forcing UMD to punt on the afternoon's opening possession. A sack for loss from Andrew Klopp helped the defense as both teams forced four consecutive drives to end in a punt.

UMD's offense broke the stalemate in the second quarter, tacking on the first touchdown of the afternoon with a 21- yard rush from Alex Riley with 5:48 left in the frame. The Cougars responded, however. with a touchdown of their own on the next drive to collect a 10-7 lead as both teams headed back to the locker rooms for the halftime intermission. 

The UMD offense brought the bag out in the second half, pulling out a pitch back play to set up a 56-yard passing touchdown from redshirt sophomore QB Jacob Eggert to Jimmy Durocher on the Bulldogs' first possession. But again, USF had no trouble responding, and scored on its next drive to move back into the 17-14 lead at 8:37 of the third quarter

A 19-yard touchdown from Eggert to DaShaun Ames – his eighth of the season – capped off the opening drive for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter, allowing UMD to retake a 21-17 lead with just over 14 minutes left to go. USF countered once again, scoring on its next drive to take back the lead, and eventual final 24-21 score.

Despite forcing the Cougars to punt with just under a minute left, UMD was intercepted on its final two possessions of the game and was unable to regain the advantage before time expired.

Eggert made his first career start for UMD, and went 20-of-35 for 247 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. Riley led the Bulldogs rushing attack with 85 yards and one touchdown, while Ames made his presence felt in the passing game, recording six receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown.  Durocher added five catches for 134 yards and one score. 

Tyrone McCoy led the Bulldog defense with three tackles and one interception. Klopp added four tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack, while  Matt Weerts added three tackles, 2.0 TFL, and one sack in the loss.

The Bulldogs (3-4, 2-4 NSIC) make their return to James S. Malosky Stadium next weekend to host Minot State University. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 12:00 PM.