Bulldogs Crush Moorehead

NSO – News Release

Minnesota Duluth came out victorious against Minnesota St. Moorhead 36-28. The win over the Dragons extends the all-time series total to 13-0 and continues the Bulldogs’ homecoming game win streak. UMD now has a record of 3-2 and leaves MSUM with a record of 1-4.

“Any time you get a win, you have to celebrate it with the understanding that you have work to do next week,” said head coach Curt Wiese. “I’m happy with the way our guys played in the first half of the game, and the second half I thought we left a lot on the field.”

Minnesota Duluth’s defense started the game off strong. On each of MSUM’s first two drives, UMD kept the Dragons to just four plays and forced them to punt. On the second punt, the Dragons only punted eight yards to place the Bulldogs at MSUM’s nine yard line. With the end zone in sight on the first down, UMD capitalized on it. Tight end Zach Ojile rushed seven yards for the Bulldogs’ first touchdown. Minnesota Duluth held Moorhead scoreless in the first quarter.

Starting off the second quarter, UMD extended their lead to 14-0. The Bulldogs switched it up with a two-yard pass from running back Wade Sullivan to offensive lineman Sam Pitz, who entered the end zone. On the next MSUM drive, the Dragons were at third and 10 and went for a long pass, but Bulldog Rayshion Brumfield snagged an interception and ran it 10 yards. UMD answered back with an eight-play 65 yard drive. To finish it off, Ojile made his second touchdown with a four-yard rush. Noah Skifton rushed for the extra point to put the Bulldogs ahead 22-0. The Dragons slipped by the Bulldogs’ defense and got their first touchdown of the game. Minnesota Duluth finished the half with a 15-point lead over Minnesota St. Moorhead.

Coming off a strong offensive first half, the Bulldogs continued to put a gap in the score. The Bulldogs’ drive started with a deep 26-yard pass completion to Ojile to secure a first down. Six plays later, Garrett Olson completed another deep 27-yard pass to Byron Bynum in the end zone. Bynum’s touchdown left the Bulldogs with a 29-7 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Dragons worked to close the gap on the Bulldogs. They scored an early touchdown and secured a fumble recovery, one they were able to capitalize on to score a third touchdown. MSUM shortened the Bulldogs’ lead to 29-22. In response, UMD ran 11 plays for a 60 yard drive. Olson made a short five-yard pass to Ojile, who danced into the end zone for a third time. The Bulldogs’ attempt at a field goal by Curtis Cox was good, making it 36-22. Minnesota St. Moorhead fought in the last minute of the game to pull ahead. The Dragons blocked a punt, grabbed the ball and rushed 47 yards to the end zone. Though they put six more points on the board, in the end, the Dragons were unable to pull ahead.

The UMD offense came to play against the Dragons. The Bulldogs’ win over the Dragons gave them their highest scoring game this season. Captain Zach Ojile led the Bulldogs to victory with three touchdowns. Sam Pitz recorded his first career touchdown. The Bulldogs led the game in total offensive yards, 392-304. On third-down conversions, UMD went 8-16 for a .500 clip. To lead the Bulldogs in rushing yards, captain Wade Sullivan had 106.

On the defensive side of play, the Bulldogs made 50 tackles, including nine for a loss of 53 total yards. Brumfield notched an interception that led to a Bulldog touchdown. UMD did not go easy on the MSUM quarterback. The Bulldogs made four total sacks for a loss of 39 yards. Andrew Klopp led in total tackles with seven.

Up Next Minnesota Duluth will be back at home next weekend, Oct. 8 at 12 p.m. to take on UMary