The Bemidji State University football team had its three-game win streak snapped in a 30-0 loss to No. 7 University of Minnesota Duluth Saturday in a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North battle at Malosky Stadium in Duluth, Minn. The loss moves the Beavers to 4-4 (4-4 NSIC, 3-1 NSIC North) and improves the Bulldogs to 7-1 (7-1 NSIC, 3-1 NSIC North).
After winning the toss and electing to receive, the Bulldogs mishandled the first hand off of the game and the Beavers recovered on the UMD 24. But, just two plays later, the Beavers handed the ball right back to the home team on a fumble by senior running back Dustin Kroeplin (Withee, Wis.). Five plays later UMD connected on a 64-yard pass and catch for a touchdown and after a two-point conversion the Bulldogs led the Beavers 8-0.
Following a BSU three-and-out, the Bulldogs scored on their next possession with a 14-play, 83-yard drive to the end zone. A failed point after attempt gave UMD the 14-0 lead. Three plays later a senior quarterback Lance Rongstad (Eleva, Wis.) pass went off the hands of senior tight end Troy Dale (Portland, N.D.) and into the mitts of a Bulldog defense back. The top 10 nationally Bulldogs then needed just four plays to go 30 yards to the end zone to own the 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.
The score went to 28-0 just minutes later after a solid UMD punt return placed the ball at the BSU 23 and three plays later Bulldog quarterback Chase Vogler – who had all the time he needed – connected with a wide open receiver in the back of the end zone on a nine-yard score.
The second half started like the first ended for BSU when a bad snap on the second play went into the end zone for a Bulldog safety and a 30-0 lead for the home team. The safety – which is the fourth this season in eight BSU games (two for, two against) – was the final score of the game.
The Beavers were outgained 410-182. BSU had just 30 yards on the ground. The last time the Beavers were shutout was last season at Northern State University, by the score of 14-0.
Rongstad finished the game 12-for-39 with 152 yards and three interceptions – all of which went off the hands of BSU receivers. Senior wide receiver Justin Lee (Elgin, Ill.) posted 75 yards on five receptions. BSU was led defensively by redshirt freshman Connor Quinn (LB, Geneva, Ill.). He posted a career-high 14 tackles (eight solo), two of which were for a loss (-5 yards) and recovered two fumbles.
BSU continues play on the road Oct. 27 at St. Cloud State University, who is receiving votes in the national poll. The contest is set for 1 p.m. in St. Cloud, Minn.