By Kristin Farris
BSU Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations

DULUTH, Minn. — Bemidji State University football fell 42-28 to No. 13/10 University
of Minnesota Duluth at James S. Malosky Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Bemidji State began the game receiving the kickoff, but an early fumble by Drayton
Lehman at BSU’s 27-yard line was recovered by the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs capitalized
on the turnover, opening the scoring with a touchdown and an extra point, taking a
7-0 lead. Bemidji State responded with a strong drive, highlighted by Connor
Carver’s 26-yard rushing touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7 after Connor
Mantelli’s successful extra point. However, UMD regained the lead with another
touchdown and extra point, ending the first quarter ahead 14-7.

Bemidji State gained momentum early in the second quarter when Tommy Lujan forced a
fumble, which was recovered by Caden Bolte at the BSU 26-yard line. Antonio Brown
led the ensuing drive with several strong rushes, including an 8-yard gain to
advance the ball, but the drive stalled after a sack on Carver, leading to a punt.
Later, with just under three minutes left in the quarter, Bemidji State mounted a
successful 60-yard drive. Carver’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Lehman with 47 seconds
remaining brought Bemidji State within striking distance, closing the half at 21-14
in favor of Minnesota Duluth.

Bemidji State gained momentum in the third quarter with a swift offensive response
following a Bulldogs touchdown. Carver’s 34-yard rush set up a scoring drive,
culminating in his 15-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Wall at 7:12, narrowing the
deficit to 28-21. Despite Bemidji State’s efforts, including a defensive sack by
Tyler Sapit that forced a 26-yard loss for Minnesota Duluth, they could not close
the gap further. UMD added another touchdown, and Bemidji State’s final drive
stalled, ending the game with a 35-21 score.

Carver led Bemidji State’s charge in the fourth quarter with a decisive drive that
resulted in a touchdown. Carver completed key passes, including a 20-yard gain to
Imarion Kelly, and capped the drive with an 11-yard rushing touchdown at 7:27.
Mantelli added the extra point, bringing Bemidji State within striking distance.
However, Minnesota Duluth responded with a touchdown drive of their own, extending
their lead to 42-28. Bemidji State’s subsequent drive was hindered by a fumble
recovered by Deon Kelson, and they were unable to close the gap. The game ended with
a final score of 42-28 in favor of Minnesota Duluth.

Carver completed 18-of-29 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns and added 116
rushing yards with two touchdowns on 20 carries. Lehman caught seven passes for 78
yards and a touchdown, despite losing a fumble. Sapit led the defense with seven
tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. Wall contributed offensively with two
receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Bemidji State holds a record of 3-7 overall and 3-6 in conference play. Their final
game of the season is set for next Saturday at 1 p.m. in Bemidji. The Beavers will
host University of Mary to close out the 2025 campaign.