BSU versus MSU rematch scheduled for NCAA Quarterfinals Saturday
The Beavers look to get revenge against the Mavericks and earn their first quarterfinal win Saturday
RV/24 Bemidji State University football travels to Mankato, Minn. to compete in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Playoffs against Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference foe RV Minnesota State University Mankato at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Beavers enter the weekend with a 10-3 overall record after taking down Western Colorado University and Angelo State University in the first two rounds of the 2024 NCAA Division II Championships.
Last weekend, the Beavers and Mountaineers kept things interesting with a final score of 20-19. A forced fumble by Stephen Hoffman followed by a recovery and touchdown return from Gabe Ward sealed the game for BSU.
The Beavers and Mavericks met during week one to kick off NSIC play in Mankato. MSU defeated BSU by a walk-off field goal and took the 31-29 win, giving the Beavers their first loss of the season.
This week, BSU looks to earn its first win over MSU since Nov. 10, 2016 when the Beavers defeated the Mavericks 45-17 in Mankato.
Beaver sophomore running back Jayden Washington surpassed the 1,000-career rushing yards mark against Western Colorado. Washington now sits at 757 rushing yards this season with four rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns.
The Gang Green defense has cemented itself as one of the best in Division II football by claiming 7th place in the NCAA for total defense, 15th in passing yards allowed, 28th in red zone defense, 19th in rushing defense, 15th in scoring, 17th in team passing efficiency defense and 11th in sacks.
Three Beavers grabbed All-Super Region Four honors with center Jake Gannon and defensive lineman Marcus Hansen taking first team honors while Brice Peters found himself on the second team’s offense.
Gannon was also named as a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award. As one of eight finalists, Gannon is in the running to be named the top lineman on either side of the ball in Division II football.
Following this weekend, the four winning teams from quarterfinals will be reseeded and compete in the NCAA Division II Football semifinals.