Beavers Top Bulldogs

NSO – NEWS RELEASE

The No. 16 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs suffered their second loss of the season on Saturday afternoon in Duluth, dropping a 42-35 decision to the Bemidji State Beavers. The loss gives UMD a 6-2 overall record on the season and moves them to 3-1 in the NSIC North Division.

UMD running back Cazz Martin posted his third 100+ rushing yards game of the season, while also notching two touchdowns on the day. Quarterback Logan Graetz threw two touchdown passes while also going 24 for 35 with 261 passing yards and one interception. Armani Carmickle continued his tremendous season as he tallied 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Beavers.

On the defensive side of the ball, UMD was led by Austin Kurylo, Brad Dati, and Dan Monson who all secured in seven total tackles in Saturday’s loss. Additionally, defensive back Michael Kirkendoll noted four solo tackles, one sack for a loss of 13 yards, and one interception on the day. Bemidji State’s 42 points is the most points given up by the Minnesota Duluth defense in a game all season.

The Bulldogs struck first early in the contest. An 18-yard touchdown pass from Graetz to Carmickle capped off an 11-play, 73-yard drive for UMD. Just under one minute later, the Beavers used a solid kickoff return to set themselves up at their own 41-yard line. On the second play of the drive, BSU quarterback Brandon Alt found a wide-open streaking receiver for a 59-yard touchdown pass. The teams would head to the end of the first quarter nodded at 7-7.

Two second quarter rushing touchdowns from Martin would ensure a 21-14 Minnesota Duluth lead at halftime. One of Martin’s runs being a 69-yard dash to the house for six points. However, a 6-yard touchdown pass for Bemidji with just five seconds remaining in the first half cut into the UMD lead.

The two sides would trade touchdowns in the third quarter. First for UMD, a 3-yard touchdown pass from John Larson to Byron Bynum gave the Bulldogs a 28-14 advantage. Three minutes later, a 29-yard touchdown pass from Alt made the score 28-21. The Bulldogs counter the Bemidji score with a one-play 29-yard touchdown pass from Graetz to Carmickle. UMD took the 35-21 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Beavers struck for three touchdowns in the final quarter, solidifying a 42-35 comeback win in Duluth. It’s the first time Bemidji has beaten the Bulldogs since 1999, and first time in Duluth since 1941.

Up Next
The Bulldogs will hit the road for a matchup with Minot State University on Saturday, Oct. 30 in Minot, ND. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.