UMD Athletics

The University of Minnesota Duluth Football team's season came to a close, with a 45-31 loss to Minot State on Senior Day. The Bulldogs finish the season 7-4 on the year, and 7-3 in the NSIC, while the Beavers finish 4-7, and 4-6 in the NSIC.

The Bulldogs honored Tyrone McCoy, Brock Unger, Derrick Johnson, Jacob Eggert, Jarrett Bennett, Aidyn Vondra, Nathan Litke, Jayce Walrath, Michael Orona, Curtis Shaw, Trace Bowman, and captains Nick Ojile and Ross Rivord.

The Beavers' first drive started out strong, with Minot State entering the Bulldogs redzone, but a big tackle by Mark Rendl forced the Beavers to attempt a field goal. Minot State's kick was good, giving the Beavers a 3-0 lead early. The Bulldogs' first snap ended in disaster, with a fumble on the snap giving the Beavers prime position for their next offensive drive. However, the Bulldogs came up strong, getting a crucial fourth-down stop to put the ball back in the hands of the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs next offensive drive had more promise, with a reception by Nick Ojile putting UMD into Beavers territory. Another completion to Parker Schuh moved them further down the field, and the Bulldogs found themselves up 7-3 with a touchdown reception to Brenden Adams. 

Minot State found an answer entering the second quarter, with a long methodical drive defined by the run giving the Beavers their first touchdown of the game off of a Jaden Fox run. The drive restored the Beavers three-point lead, with the Bulldogs down 10-7. UMD's response hinged on a key third-and-seven at midfield, where a near-sack forced UMD to throw the ball away.

The next drive for the Beavers threatened to put UMD down even further, with Minot State converting a crucial fourth-and-inches to keep the drive going. The Beavers kept pounding gridiron, and came up with their second touchdown of the day to give them a 10-point lead on a Jett Lundeen touchdown, 17-7.

A strong kickoff return by Derrick Johnson put the Bulldogs on their own 41-yard line, setting up the Bulldogs for a chance to respond towards the end of the first half. UMD's drive pushed well into Beaver's territory. With 29 seconds left in the half, Cameron Begalle found the endzone with a pass from Austin Randall to put the Bulldogs within three, 17-14, entering halftime.

For the Bulldogs to come out with the win, they needed to find answers to the Beavers' run game, as Minot State entered halftime with 209 rushing     yards.

The Bulldogs second-half opening drive started out strong, with the Bulldogs getting well into Minot State territory, aided by the rushing effort of Derrick Johnson. Eventually, the Bulldogs found paydirt with an Austin Randall rushing touchdown to retake the lead for UMD, 21-17.

UMD attempted to keep the pressure on with an onside kick, but the try failed. Minot State responded just two plays later, with a Matyas Bily 34-yard touchdown pass to put the Beavers back up 24-21. UMD fumbled on the next drive, giving the Minot State Beavers key position on the field.

The Beavers' attempted to build their lead to six with a field goal, but a big block by Brock Unger kept the Beavers' lead at three. The Bulldogs' following drive ended in another quick turnover, as the Beavers intercepted UMD, getting another chance to build on their lead. The Beavers would do just that, as a touchdown pass to Matt Shinn extended their lead to ten, 31-21.

The Bulldogs need to find an answer on the next drive. A big run by Derrick Johnson put UMD on the Beavers' side of the field. Now entering the fourth quarter, Austin Randall found his way into the endzone for his second touchdown of the day, putting the Bulldogs within three, 31-28.

UMD needed to get a crucial stop on Minot State, but the Beavers wouldn't quit. A big third down run put the Beavers on the Bulldogs 25-yard line, looking to extend their lead. Brandon Hines found the endzone again for Minot State, retaking their ten-point lead, 38-28.

With less than ten minutes left, the Bulldogs' had to score in the following drive. With pace, UMD rushed down the field with Alex Riley leading the charge. UMD couldn't find the endzone, but a Drew Henson field goal brought the game to seven, 38-31.

Entering crunch time, UMD had to find a way to stop Minot State. UMD had a chance to stop them at midfield, but a good pitch to Brandon Hines gave them a long distance touchdown and put them up 14.

The Bulldogs last chance to score got picked off by Connor Raetzman, putting the Bulldogs' hope of the postseason to rest. Minot State came away with the win, 45-31.

Bulldog Notes:

• The Beavers and Bulldogs were close on yards, with the Beavers outgaining the Bulldogs 467-427.

• Derrick Johnson led the way for UMD with 133 rushing and receiving yards.

• Matt Marusich led the defense with 11 tackles, while Jarrett Bennett had eight.

Thank you to all of the supporters of the University of Minnesota Duluth Football program for your continuous support all season. We hope to see you back at Malosky next year!