By Kristin Farris
BSU Sports Information

HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Technological University (1-0) defeated Bemidji State University (0-1) with a strong second-half performance, winning 37-17 at Sherman Field in Houghton, Michigan.

The first quarter of the game began with Bemidji State making an impactful start as Zavery Guerra returned the opening kickoff 49 yards to set up excellent field position at the Huskies’ 42-yard line. This led to a strategic series of plays, highlighted by Connor Carver’s 25-yard touchdown rush at 11:47, putting Bemidji State on the scoreboard first. Later in the quarter, Owen Dukowitz’s interception at 5:57 halted a promising MTU drive, maintaining Bemidji State’s lead, which stood at 7-3 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter began with Carver rushing for a 39-yard touchdown at 14:51, extending the lead. Connor Mantelli successfully added the extra point, and later, with 20 seconds remaining, he secured a 14-yard field goal to reclaim a one-point advantage. Bemidji State’s defense, including key tackles by Nah’Shawn Keith and Caden Bolte’s pass breakup, held firm despite the Huskies’ two touchdown drives in the quarter.

The 3rd quarter began with Bemidji State’s Mantelli executing a 57-yard kickoff, showing strong special teams play. Levi Daniel and Keith contributed to the defensive efforts early, with Daniel recording a tackle for loss on the Huskies’ opening drive. Later, Jayden Washington’s rushing efforts highlighted Bemidji State’s offensive drive, securing a first down with an 8-yard carry at 6:49 on the clock. Despite a valiant push in the final minutes and a strategic timeout at 00:25, the team was unable to convert on fourth down, concluding the quarter without scoring.

The fourth quarter began with the Huskies securing a touchdown through a 47-yard pass from Alex Bueno to Jake Rueff at 12:37, extending their lead. Despite a fumble on the subsequent kickoff return by Drayton Lehman, Bemidji State managed to regroup, highlighted by Zach Romak’s 11-yard completion to Lehman. However, MTU capitalized on their momentum and scored another touchdown with Bueno’s 3-yard rush at 10:53, securing a decisive lead, while Bemidji State remained scoreless in the quarter.

Carver contributed significantly to the offense, rushing for 96 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 14 carries. Elliott Lowney added to the passing game with 36 receiving yards on three catches. On defense, L’Shawn Taylor and Bolte each recorded six tackles to lead the team, while Dukowitz made a key interception. Kicker Mantelli was perfect on the day, converting one field goal and two extra points.

Bemidji State fell to 0-1 on the season. Michigan Tech moved to 1-0 following their win.

The next challenge for Bemidji State is a trip to Winona, Minn., where they will face Winona State University on September 6. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

—————————————————————–

Highlights1-11:47 1Q – BSU – Connor Carver 25 yd run (Connor Mantelli kick) 7-0
Highlights2-7:33 1Q – MTU – Avery Kucharski 32 yd field goal 7-3
Highlights3-14:51 2Q – BSU – Connor Carver 39 yd run (Connor Mantelli kick) 14-3
Highlights4-9:34 2Q – MTU – Ethan Champney 22 yd run (Avery Kucharski kick) 14-10
Highlights5-5:57 2Q – MTU – Nic Nora 14 yd run (kick failed) 14-16
Highlights6-0:20 2Q – BSU – Connor Mantelli 24 yd field goal 17-16
Highlights7-6:49 3Q – MTU – Nic Nora 3 yd pass from Alex Bueno (Bryce Kurncz pass from Alex Bueno) 17-24
Highlights8-12:37 4Q – MTU – Jake Rueff 47 yd pass from Alex Bueno (Avery Kucharski kick) 17-31
Highlights9-10:53 4Q – MTU – Alex Bueno 3 yd run (kick failed) 17-37
HighlightsBSU Today Game Version
HighlightsBolte Postgame 8-28-25
HighlightsBolte Pregame 8-28-25
HighlightsBuckys Legends-8-28-25
HighlightsFinal Call
HighlightsSam Kanne