The Bemidji State University football program moved up one spot to No. 21 in the weekly American Football Coaches Association Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, which was released today. BSU (6-1, 3-0 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division) won its seventh consecutive Homecoming game, 52-28, against Minot State University.

The Beavers are off to their best start in a season since beginning the 1984 season 7-1. BSU has begun two seasons (1984, 1958) 7-1 and six (2011, 2000, 1984, 1958, 1951, 1941) 6-1.

Bemidji State put up its second game in three weeks with 400+ rushing yards, led by freshman quarterback Jared Henning with a career high 172 and three touchdowns. Senior running back Gena Adams recorded his fifth game of 2016 with 90+ rushing yards and third game with 120+ yards after totaling 152 and two touchdowns against MiSU. Junior running back Tahi Nomane added 87 rushing yards on 16 carries.

Henning threw for 65 yards, averaging 9.3 per completion, after finishing the game for sophomore quarterback Nick Mehlum. Mehlum threw for 73 yards on three completions with two touchdowns before exiting the game. Adams caught one pass, during the first BSU offensive play from scrimmage, for a 36-yard touchdown while senior wide receiver Juwaan Richard caught one touchdown pass from 18 yards out.

Following a 39-21 lead at halftime, the “Gang Green” defense allowed just 94 total yards to Minot State in the second half. The BSU defense forced five total turnovers, including three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Junior defensive end Alex Burgess recorded two sacks, one coming as a strip-sack in which he was able to secure the fumble recovery. Senior defensive backs Kameel Al-Khouri and Damon Benham, along with junior linebacker Jamison Evans, each grabbed one interception.

No. 21 Bemidji State heads to Duluth, Minn., for a battle atop the NSIC North standings as No. 24 University of Minnesota Duluth plays host. The Beavers and Bulldogs meet for the 56th time in the series history. UMD has been ranked in seven of the last eight matchups against BSU. The two teams have never met while both ranked in the AFCA Top 25 Poll.