Defense and turnovers were keys as the Mavericks handled the nickname once again. The Beavers committed four first half turnovers resulting in 17 MSU points as MSU opened a 24-3 halftime lead and never looked back. 

With the help of a strong wind and a strong defense, MSU spent the entire first quarter in Bemidji State territory. On the game’s third play, junior defensive end Chris Schaudt blindsided Beavers’ quarterback Lance Rongstad causing a fumble that was recovered by sophomore defensive tackle #Jeffrey Raymond# at the BSU 39.

MSU junior quarterback #Jon Wolf# ended the drive with a four-yard scamper around the left end for a 7-0 MSU lead.

For acting head coach Aaron Keen, scoring right away is a big factor.

“To be able to score quickly in that first quarter was a tremendous advantage for us,” he said. “Last week it was more creating turnovers, if you will, in the punting game, this week it was actually taking the ball away from that offense and creating short fields.”

MSU forced and recovered another fumble on Bemidji’s next possession when Troy Dale lost the ball following a five-yard completion which was recovered by senior defensive back Earl Brooks on the 42 and returned it to the BSU 30-yard line creating another short field to work with. That turnover resulted in a #Sam Brockshus# 42-yard field goal, equaling his career long.

Bemidji’s fourth possession ended the same way its first two did, with a fumble. Rongstad was under pressure and tried pitching the ball behind him while he was being tackled. Problem was there was nobody there. Sophomore linebacker #Kris Fleigle# recovered the ball at the BSU 6-yard line. Two plays later Wolf leaped over the line from a yard out for the touchdown and 17-0 MSU lead with 2:47 left in the first quarter.

Fleigle led the Mavericks with ten tackles on the evening and says creating turnovers is a mentality the defense needs.

“Our defensive coaches have always preached getting to the ball,” he said “Even if we’re doing drills and there’s an incomplete pass, you supposed to scoop it up. It’s just that mentality of getting after the ball.”

MSU’s first four possessions all started in BSU territory. As a quarterback it’s really nice to start with short fields.

“It’s an offense’s dream come true to have a defense that’s going to give you the ball in that good of field position every time,” said Wolf. “We have the faith that they’re going to get a three-and-out or a turnover every time they’re out there.”

Wolf carried the ball 23 times on the evening for 129 yards and three touchdowns. He also went 5-for-11 through the air for 84 yards including a 16-yard touchdown pass to senior wideout #Adam Thielen# midway through the fourth quarter.

“The thing that impresses the most (about Wolf) is I know he can run,” said Keen. “I have my battles with him on the sidelines about how he runs sometimes, but I know he can run.”

When the teams switched ends for the second quarter, the winds of fortune changed for the Beavers. They were finally able to move the ball on the Mavericks defense and drove the ball 71 yards on 12 plays resulting in a Zach Pulkinen from 27 yards out for Bemidji’s first points.

The Mavericks proved an offense is able to drive its team through a stiff wind and be able to put up points as it countered Bemidji’s field goal with a touchdown. Wolf drove his team 65 yards on 11 plays which culminated with some good fortune. Wolf was going in for a touchdown but lost the ball. Redshirt freshman running back #Connor Thomas# picked it up at the one and dove in for the touchdown with a little over five minutes remaining in the first half and giving MSU a 24-3 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Beavers were finally able to reach the end zone almost midway through the third quarter. Jody Henningson took the handoff from Rongstad and went around left end and leaped and flipped into the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown.

MSU quickly countered again with some big runs on their next drive. Thomas ran for 22 yards to the BSU 47. Wolf then called his own number and scampered down the left sideline for a 47-yard score and a 31-10 Mavericks lead with 7:37 left in the third.

With a short field to work with throughout much of the game, Bemidji State actually totaled more first downs than MSU (17 to 12). The Mavericks rushed for 239 yards on the ground and held the Beavers to 276 of total offense.

The Mavericks (2-0, 2-0 NSIC) travels to St. Cloud State next week in the annual Battle for the Traveling Training Kit.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Listen to in-game highlights, post game interviews and watch the postgame press conference HERE