UMD Athletics

The No. 17 University of Minnesota Duluth Football Team suffered a tough defeat to the Bemidji State University Beavers, 44-26. The Bulldogs fall to 7-3 on the year and 7-2 in the NSIC, while the Beavers are now 5-5 and 5-4 in the NSIC.

The Beavers got some help on the opening drive with two back-to-back fifteen-yard penalties taken by the Bulldogs, but couldn't find the endzone, settling for a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. The Bulldogs response ended in disaster, with Koehler Kilty intercepting a pass and returning it deep for Bemidji State, with Connor Carver punching it in to build a 10-0 lead early in the first.

The Bulldogs found their footing on the next drive, and punched back with a 67-yard touchdown run from Ryder Patterson, getting the Bulldogs to within three. UMD followed the touchdown with their first stop of Bemidji State shortly after the end of the first quarter, giving the Bulldogs some momentum into the second quarter.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the second quarter only dug them into a deep hole. Their first drive of the second quarter ended on a failed fake punt. Then, Connor Carver scored his first touchdown of the day for Bemidji State. The Bulldogs then fumbled on the kickoff return, giving the Beavers prime position. Lucas Peterson was able to score shortly after, getting the Beavers second touchdown of the quarter. The Bulldogs couldn't respond on the following drive, handing the ball back to Bemidji State. Lucas Peterson then got a first-play touchdown, building the lead up to 31-7 which held entering the second half.

UMD wouldn't throw in the towel despite the deficit. Cameron Begalle got a 39-yard touchdown reception to put six on the board for the Bulldogs despite the failed two-point try, and the defense held down the Beavers for a three-and-out. Shortly after, Alex Riley ran for a 28-yard touchdown, bringing the score to a 31-20 edge for the Beavers. 

Despite UMD's newfound momentum, Lucas Peterson couldn't be stopped. A 68-yard touchdown reception to Peterson halted the Bulldogs comeback. UMD was able to block the extra point, but they couldn't respond after. A good punt from Drew Henson backed the Beavers up to their own five-yard line. On the first play of the Beavers drive, Charlie Hornacek came up with a big interception to help set up Austin Randall for a 20-yard touchdown run. The Bulldogs once again failed the two-point try, cutting the lead back down to 11. However, the Beavers struck back once again, with Antonio Brown finding the endzone to build the lead up to 18, 44-26.

The Bulldogs couldn't get much going in the fourth quarter, failing to find the endzone as the Beavers' defense stood strong. And with that, the Bulldogs lost their third game of the season, 44-26.

Bulldog Notes:

• The Beavers outgained the Bulldogs 474-302.

• Ryder Patterson had 81-yards rushing and a touchdown.

• Joey Krouse notched 13 tackles for the Bulldogs.

• Charlie Hornacek got his first career interception.

The Bulldogs take on Minot State on Senior Day for their final regular season game. The game is on November 14th, with kickoff set for 12:00 p.m.