Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth finished off perfect 6-0 records to earn their division championships out-right. This marks back-to-back NSIC division crowns for both schools (MSU was co-south champion with Wayne State last season). Both teams won in big fashion as UMD knocked off Minnesota, Crookston 44-0 while the Mavericks won at Upper Iowa 48-17. Both teams remain perfect in NSIC overall play with one game remaining. If both go undefeated in NSIC play they will be crown NSIC Overall Co-Champions.

Blocked FG Might Keep Augie From Playoffs

October 31, 2009 |Box Scores

Andrew Behrens lined up for a 23-yard field goal, but WSU’s Matt Ulrich blocked the kick, preserving the lead for the Warriors with 4:33 to play.
Photo by: Andrew Nyhus

Sioux Falls, S.D. - Augustana had its playoff chances dampened as Winona State edged the Vikings 23-21 Saturday afternoon in front of 3,003 fans at Kirkeby-Over Stadium.

The loss, Augustana’s first setback in its new stadium, dropped the Vikings to 7-3 overall and 6-3 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, while Winona State improved to 7-3 overall and 6-3 in the conference.

Augustana reached into its bag of tricks to get on the scoreboard first. On first and 10 at the Winona State 24, quarterback Luke Butler threw a backward pass to receiver Tyler Schulte who then tossed the ball to a wide open Joe Clark in the end zone with 5:13 left in the quarter to give the Vikings a 7-0 lead.

The Augie special teams set up its second touchdown. After Dan O’Keefe blocked a Warrior punt, the Vikings took over at the WSU 33. Two players later Butler found Sam Holsen for a 21-yard touchdown pass with 13:27 left in the second quarter to put the Vikings in front 14-0.

But the Warriors had some tricks of their own. Quarterback Greg Preston lined up as wide receiver, took a pitch and threw a 54-yard scoring pass to Derrick Engel to cut the lead in half at 14-7 with 11:56 left in the half.

Like Augustana, Winona State’s special teams set up a touchdown right before intermission. The Warriors blocked a punt and recovered the ball at the Viking 14 with 1:03 left in the half. Two plays later, Rayon Simmons plunged in from 1-yard out to tie the score 14-14 at the break.

Winona State appeared ready to take its first lead of the game at the outset of the third quarter. A 57-yard pass from Preston to Kyle Melcher gave the Warriors a first-and-goal at the Viking 1. On second down, Simmons fumbled the ball into the end zone where Augustana’s Nick Andreas recovered ball.

Winona State bounced back on its next possession as the Warriors drove to the Viking 9 where the drive stalled. WSU settled for a 26-yard field goal by Billy Emanuel to give the visitors a 17-14 lead with 1:51 left in the period.

But Augustana had a quick answer. Schulte caught a short screen pass and broke free down the right sideline for a 68-yard score to put the Vikings back in front 21-17 with 46 seconds left in the stanza.

The fireworks continued in the fourth quarter. On Winona State’s next possession, Preston hooked up with Engel for a 52-yard strike to cap a 6-play, 77-yard drive. Emanuel missed the PAT, leaving the Warriors with a 23-21 lead with 13:40 left in the game.

Augustana had a chance to regain the lead when the Vikings took over the ball at the Warrior 49 with 8:55 left on the clock. The Vikings began the drive with a 26-yard gain to Schulte to put the ball at the WSU 23. A holding penalty pushed the ball back to the 33, forcing the Vikings into a first-and-20. On third down, Butler again found Schulte, this time for a 16-yard gain to the Warrior 13.

After Butler scrambled for 8 yards to the Winona State 6 on third down, the Vikings faced a fourth-and-3. Andrew Behrens lined up for a 23-yard field goal, but WSU’s Matt Ulrich blocked the kick, preserving the lead for the Warriors with 4:33 to play.

Winona State was then able to convert 2 first downs, enabling the Warriors to run out the clock.

Butler finished the day by completing 16 of 29 passes for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns. Schulte had 6 catches for 117 yards and a score to go along with his 24-yard touchdown pass. Holsen, who had a school-record 267 yards receiving last week, had 62 yards on 4 catches. Clark led the ground game with 69 yards on 13 carries.

Preston led Winona State by throwing for 325 yards on 20 of 33 passing. Engel had 106 yards and 2 touchdowns on 2 catches, while Drew Alexander and Melcher had 85 and 82 yards. 

Defensively, Josh Niedenfuer, Andrew Keel, Brandon McMichael and Brady MacIver all had 9 tackles for the Vikings.

Augustana concludes the season next Saturday when the Vikings entertain Northern State in a 1 p.m. contest at Kirkeby-Over Stadium.

NCAA Super Region #3 Rankings No. 4

October 26, 2009 | Full Rankings

INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division II Football Committee has released this year’s fourth poll. The top 10 teams by super regional are listed along with their overall record and their Division II won-lost record through games of October 24, 2009.

Dropped Out: #8 Wayne State (GLIAC), #10 Bemidji State (NSIC)

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 10

October 26, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#4 Sam Holsen (WR, 6-1, 175, So., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Washington HS)
Augustana College

Sam Holsen set an Augustana single-game record and nearly set an NSIC mark as he caught 11 passes for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns in Augustana’s 27-24 win over No. 22 Wayne State. Holsen’s 267 yards set an Augustana record for receiving yards, and it was the second-highest receiving total in NSIC history, second only to Billy Beckwith of Minnesota-Morris, who had 289 yards against Winona State in 1999. Eight of Holsen’s receptions went for gains over 10 yards as he averaged 24.3 yards per catch. He had a 78-yard touchdown, a 28-yard score and a 64-yard strike that set up a field goal. He also had a 23-yard catch during Augustana’s game-winning drive.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#23 Chris Hurd (LB, 6-0, 200, Jr., Rapid City, S.D. / St. Thomas More HS)
Northern State University

Chris Hurd spearheaded Northern State’s best defensive effort of the season in their 23-0 shutout of MSU-Moorhead Saturday night, as he notched seven tackles (all solo) during the game. He recorded two sacks, three tackles for loss, and an interception in helping his teammates hold the Dragons to 63 rushing yards and 251 total yards. As a team the Wolves recorded five sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one blocked field goal, and 13 tackles for loss in registering their first shutout since their 35-0 win on October 4th, 2008 over Minnesota, Crookston.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#10 DJ Winfield (WR, 5-8, 175, So., Mountain Iron, Minn. / Mountain Iron-Buhl HS)
University of Minnesota Duluth

D.J. Winfield helped UMD thwart a fourth quarter Bemidji State rally by returning a kick 84 yards for a touchdown right after the Beavers had knotted the game at 28-28 with 1:29 to play. The 2008 NSIC Offensive Newcomer of the Year finished with two kickoff returns for 109 yards in the 35-34 victory in addition to catching four passes for 80 yards.

UMD Wins At Least Share of North Title in Crazy Game

October 24, 2009 | Box Scores From Today

Sophomore Jody Henningson (WR, North Aurora, Ill.) hauled down a 36-yard touchdown pass as time expired to cap a seven-play, 60-yard drive and bring the score to 35-34 in favor of UMD. The Beavers' extra point attempt would fail and No. 7 Minnesota Duluth would escape with the NSIC North victory and at least a share of the NSIC North Title. photo: BSU Photo Services

Bemidji, Minn. - As far as wild finishes are concerned, one would be hard pressed to find any game in the 77-year history of Minnesota Duluth football which rivaled the one that took place Saturday afternoon. The No. 7 Bulldogs and Bemidji State University combined for three touchdowns in the final 100 seconds of regulation, but a missed extra point attempt by the host Beavers on the final play of the day proved to be the difference as UMD pulled out a 35-34 victory to extend its Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference winning streak to 18 games.

UMD, which had allowed only 21 points in its previous four games, used a pair of touchdown runs by both junior All-American running back Isaac Odim and true freshman quarterback Chase Vogler to stake itself to what appeared to be a comfortable 28-14 late fourth quarter lead. The Beavers cut the deficit to seven points with 3:14 to go on a Derek Edholm-to-Christian Metz touchdown pass before drawing even 94 seconds later when Edholm hooked up with Dustin Kroeplin for a 56-yard scoring strike. Not to be outdone, Bulldog sophomore wide receiver D.J. Winfield took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 84 yards into the end zone to put the Bulldogs back up at 35-28 with 1:29 left on the clock. Then, with no time remaining, Edholm capped off a 7-play, 60-yard drive by connecting with Jody Henningson from 32 yards out, only to have the point after kick by Jesse Sundby sail wide.

For the ninth time in as many games this fall, Odim surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark, racking up 106 yards on 25 carries while pushing his season touchdown total to 24. Vogler rushed 11 times for a career-high 85 yards and also completed 9 of 15 passes for another 136 yards as UMD improved to 8-1 overall and 7-0 in the NSIC, clinching at least a share of the North Division title in the process.

The Bulldog defense, which again was spearheaded by junior inside linebacker Robbie Aurich and his team-leading nine total tackles, held the Beavers (6-3; 5-3) to just 25 yards on the ground on 26 attempts but did give up 391 passing yards and 416 yards of total offense -- both season highs. Senior cornerback Cole Strilzuk and junior inside linebacker Kiel Fechtelkotter both were credited with eight stops in the victory, UMD's eighth straight over the Beavers.

UMD will return to James Malosky Stadium next Saturday (Oct. 31) to host the University of Minnesota Crookston in its 2009 regular season home finale.

MSU's Klug Named D2Football National Player of the Week

October 20, 2009 | Full Release

D2Football.com Special Teams Player of the Week.
#36 Kevin Klug (LB, 6-2, 209, Sr., Caledonia, Minn. / Caledonia HS)
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Kevin Klug finished MSU’s 59-14 victory over MSU Moorhead with two tackles on special teams and also blocked two punts to pace the Maverick special teams unit. He finished the game with six total tackles. This marks the third time in school history that a Maverick has earned the award and the first time that a player has earned the award in the special team's category.  Former MSU quarterback Ben King was named the Offensive Player of the Week twice during his career.

Kevin’s twin brother Karl is a starting defensive lineman for the #6 Iowa Hawkeyes. The brother’s teams combine for a 15-0 record in the 2009 season.

NCAA Super Region #3 Rankings No. 3

October 19, 2009 | Full Rankings

INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division II Football Committee has released this year’s third poll. The top 10 teams by super regional are listed along with their overall record and their Division II won-lost record through games of October 17, 2009.

Dropped Out: None

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 9

October 19, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#12 Luke Butler (QB, 6-5, 220, Sr., Pocatello, Id. / Century HS / Idaho State)
Augustana College

Luke Butler had a career day in leading Augustana to a 41-21 win over Upper Iowa. Butler completed 26 of 31 passes for 305 yards and 4 touchdowns. In addition, he caught 1 pass for a 5-yard score. It was Butler’s first career 300-yard passing day and he set a career high for completions. He also rushed the ball 4 times for an additional 22 yards.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#52 Ryan Reeves (LB, 6-3, 245, Sr., Wahoo, Neb. / Bishop Neumann HS)
Wayne State College

Ryan Reeves had a game-high 12 tackles to pace the WSC defense in Saturday’s 48-25 win at Winona State. Reeves had six solo and six assisted stops, including 2.5 tackles for loss for five yards. He also had a pass breakup.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#36 Kevin Klug (LB, 6-2, 209, Sr., Caledonia, Minn. / Caledonia HS)
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Kevin Klug finished MSU’s 59-14 victory over MSU Moorhead with two tackles on special teams and also blocked two punts to pace the Maverick special teams unit. He finished the game with six total tackles.
Kevin’s twin brother Karl is a starting defensive lineman for the #6 Iowa Hawkeyes. The brother’s teams combine for a 15-0 record in the 2009 season.

Fluellen's 5 TD's spark #24 Wayne State in 48-25 win at Winona State

October 17, 2009 | Box Scores From Today

#7 Silias Fluellen becomes NSIC all-time leader in total offense yardage
Photo Courtesy of www.wscwildcats.com

Winona, Minn. - Senior quarterback Silas Fluellen threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns while becoming the NSIC’s all-time leader in total offense yardage Saturday afternoon to spark the 24th-ranked Wildcats in a 48-25 win at Winona State in Northern Sun Conference football.  The Wildcats improve to 6-2 overall and 5-2 in the NSIC while Winona State drops to 5-3 overall and 4-3 in league play.

The win was equally impressive on two fronts for Wayne State as the Wildcats rebounded from last week’s 21-10 upset loss at Bemidji State while handing Winona State a rare home loss.  The Warriors had won 36 of their last 37 NSIC home games and 20 of their last 21 overall home games until Saturday’s loss to Wayne State.

“This was a big win,” said WSC head coach Dan McLaughlin.  “Our offense played the way we were earlier in the season and our defense made some big stops when they had to.  Nobody comes in here (Winona) and wins the way we did today scoring 48 points.”

Wayne State opened the game on defense, but Drew Molacek blocked a Winona State punt on the opening series and gave the Wildcats the ball at the Warrior 37-yard line.  WSC then needed just four plays and drove 37 yards to score as Silas Fluellen rambled seven yards to give the ‘Cats a 7-0 lead with 10:03 to play in the first quarter.  Winona State responded though on the ensuing drive as the Warriors drove 70 yards on five plays, capped by a 14-yard scoring strike from quarterback Greg Preston to Drew Alexander to knot the score at 7-7 with 7:29 to go in the first quarter.  WSC took advantage of great field position on the next drive thanks to a 47-yard kickoff return by Frederick Bruno and regained the lead at 14-7 as Fluellen connected with Mitch Montgomery on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 5:07 remaining in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, WSC took a 20-7 lead with 11:41 to go when Fluellen found Bruno on a 71-yard touchdown pass.  Winona State scored on the ensuing drive, using a 21-yard field goal by Billy Emanuel to cut the Wildcat lead to 20-10 with 8:13 to play in the second quarter.  Wayne State came right back and scored on the next drive as Fluellen found Pierce redshirt freshman Kevin Paulsen on a 35-yard scoring pass, increasing the Wildcat advantage to 27-10 with 5:23 to play in the first half. 

Wayne State took the opening drive of the third quarter and marched 70 yards on 12 plays with Mario Melvin finding the end zone on a one-yard run to push the Wildcat lead to 34-10 with 10:49 to play in the third quarter.  On the ensuing kickoff, Winona State’s Curtis Dewberry broke loose for an 82 yard return, giving the Warriors a first and goal at the WSC four yard line.  Three plays later, Preston threw four yards to Sean Hertz to make the score 34-17 with 9:17 to play in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Fluellen and Montgomery teamed up on a touchdown for the second time in the game, this time from 17 yards out, capping a 15 play, 78 yard drive that covered 6:44, giving Wayne State a 41-17 lead with 14:10 left in the fourth quarter.  Winona State scored on the following drive as Preston hit Hertz on another four yard scoring pass, making the score 41-25 with 8:11 remaining following a two point pass conversion.  WSC closed out the scoring with 6:13 to play as Fluellen threw a nine-yard scoring pass to Bruno to make the final score 48-25.

                Wayne State finished the game with 472 yards of total offense to 332 for Winona State.  The Wildcats had 142 yards rushing and 330 passing compared to 67 yards rushing for Winona State and 265 passing.

Fluellen completed 19 of 28 passes for 330 yards and five touchdowns and became the NSIC’s all-time leader in total offense yardage, surpassing the previous mark of 8,953 yards held by James McNear of Concordia, St. Paul from 2002-05.  With Fluellen’s 367 yards of total offense Saturday, the senior from Bellevue West now has 9,112 yards of total offense in NSIC games during his Wildcat career.

Wayne State’s top receiver was Frederick Bruno with nine catches for 184 yards and two scores and finished the game with 271 all-purpose yards.  Senior wide receiver Logan Masters added five catches for 56 yards and has now caught at least two passes in all 43 games he has played in a Wildcat uniform.  The senior from Storm Lake, Iowa is just one game shy of matching the NCAA Division II record for most consecutive games with a catch, held by Morningside’s Mitch Allner (44 games from 1996-99).  The top rusher for Wayne State was Sheldon, Iowa redshirt freshman Nick Pulscher, who carried the ball 16 times for a career-high 100 yards.

Defensively, senior linebacker Ryan Reeves recorded a game-high 12 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss.  Matt Greenway added nine tackles while Anthony Hale had an interception and Michael Bazata was credited with a fumble recovery in the win.

Wayne State will be at home next Saturday afternoon, hosting Augustana in a key NSIC South Division showdown with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. at Bob Cunningham Field in Wayne.

NCAA Super Region #3 Rankings No. 2

October 12, 2009 | Full Rankings

INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division II Football Committee has released this year’s second poll. The top 10 teams by super regional are listed along with their overall record and their Division II won-lost record through games of October 10, 2009.

Dropped Out: #9 Northwood (GLIAC)

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 8

October 12, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#11 Isaac Odim (RB, 6-0, 215, Jr., Rochester, Minn. / Rochester CC)
University of Minnesota Duluth

Isaac Odim rushed for 228 yards (the fifth highest single-game total in team history) and three touchdowns on a career-high 28 carries to lead No. 8 UMD to a 42-0 win at Northern State University Saturday. Odim, the NCAA II scoring leader this fall, currently has 22 total touchdowns and has become the first Bulldog ever to run for 1,000 or more yards in a season twice (he has 1,142 yards in 2009 after rolling up 1,638 yards one year ago as a Bulldog newcomer). He has eclipsed the 100-yard ground barrier in all seven games this season and has turned that trick 16 times in 22 career outings with UMD.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#75 Michael Bazata (DL, 6-4, 270, So., Howells, Neb. / Howells HS)
Wayne State College

Michael Bazata had a career high 18 tackles in Saturday’s 21-10 loss at Bemidji State. Coming into the week, 18 assisted tackles will be the highest number of assisted tackles in a single game in the nation this season.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#10 Billy Emanuel IV (K, 5-9, 165, R-Fr., Owatonna, Minn. / Owatonna)
Winona State University

Billy Emanuel , for the second week in a row, played a huge role in the Warriors victory. He set a single-game school record with 16 total points scored as he was 4-for-4 on field goals and 4-of-5 extra point kicks. The four field goals (22, 25, 30, 19) tied a Warrior single-game record. He also kicked off ten times for a 47.5 average. This marks the second week in a row Emanual has been named NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week.

BSU Back on Winning Track - Down #14 WSC

October 3, 2009 | Box Scores From Today

The smothering Gang Green defense of the Beavers held a Wayne State offensive attack in check to the tune of just 206 yards of total offense Saturday as BSU defeated the No. 14 Wildcats 21-10 at Chet Anderson Stadium.
Photo: BSU Photo Services

BEMIDJI, Minn. (Chet Anderson Stadium) -- Owning a 14-10 lead with just over eight minutes to play, the Bemidji State University defensive unit stood strong on a pair of quarterback keepers to halt a Wayne State College comeback threat and turn the ball over on downs. The Beaver offense responded by converting a fourth-and-12 into and insurance touchdown 2:15 later, solidifying a 21-10 Northern Sun Intercollegiate (NSIC) victory over the No. 14 Wildcats in wintery Northern Minnesota conditions at Chet Anderson Stadium.

Head coach Jeff Tesch and the Beavers came into the contest hoping to keep the ball out of the hands of an offense that entered the game ranked third in the country averaging more than 500 yards per outing. Game plan achieved.

The Beavers dominated play grinding 44:06 off the clock in the slugfest, while assembling a pair of sustained scoring drives that together eliminated more than a quarter.

Of the Wildcats nine possessions, BSU’s Gang Green defense forced four three-and-outs, while five drives were 1:36 or shorter. Wayne State converted on just 1-of-9 third downs and were 0-for-2 on fourth down tries. In all, WSC managed just 206 yards of total offense, including 150 through the air and a meager 56 on the ground.

“I very, very proud of the way our kids executed our game plan. “We kept a talented offense that has been averaging over 500 yard per game off the field.” Tesch added, “We made plays on third and fourth down sort-yardage situations and they didn’t and those were keys to the game for us.”

After a scoreless first quarter, it was Wayne State that struck first on a 34-yard field goal from Nick Hope in the opening moments of the second.

The Beavers bounced back to melt 8:29 off the clock on a 14-play, 63-yard drive to take the lead 7-3. BSU capped the scoring drive off with a 22-yard touchdowns strike from Derek Edholm (Jr., QB, Anoka, Minn.) to Brian Leonhardt (Fr., TE, Blaine, Minn.).

“That was huge. That’s is eight minutes that [the Wildcats] aren’t out there. As you could see, it didn’t take them long to get down the field when they were clicking,” commented Tesch.

The score would remain at 7-3 for the remainder of the half as the teams combined for just 239 yards of total offense thanks for 154 from the Beavers.

Wayne State would record the only score of the third quarter snatching the lead away from the Beavers, 10-7 with just over six minutes left. The Wildcats needed just seven plays and 2:19 to cover 62 yards using a pass interference call to buoy the drive before Silas Fluellen scampered seen yards into the end zone.

The BSU offense would again answer taking the ball on their own 21-yard line on the ensuing kickoff and marching 79 yards over the next 7:35 to regain the lead 14-10. It would never tail again.

After a three-and-out by each team, WSC took the ball on their own 19 and advanced it to the 44, but the Bemidji State defense would bend no more, turning the ball over on downs after a pair of impressive short-yardage stands.

With the ball, the lead and just over eight minutes to play, the BSU offensive unit again went to work grinding out 10 plays, with none reaching beyond five yards until Edholm connected with sophomore Jody Henningson (WR, Aurora, Ill.) on a fourth-and-12 from the WSC 23 yard line, for his second touchdown throw of the game and the second in as many weeks for Henningson.

The 21-10 advantage with 2:09 remaining signaled a NSIC victory over a nationally-ranked opponent for the second time this season.

The Beavers were led offensively by Dustin Kroeplin (Fr., RB, Withee, Wis.) who rushed for 100 yards on 28 carries with a touchdown. Edholm finished 8-of-15 for 116 yards with two TDs and an interception. Leonhardt led the team with three receptions for 36 yards and a score.

Defensively, Tiger Ellison (Sr., CB, Columbus, Ohio) returned to action after sitting out four weeks with an arm injury to lead the team in tackles with nine (five solo). Brody Scheff (So., S, Waconia, Minn.) added five (three solo), while Rob Wills (Jr., DE, Roseville, Minn.) and Jake Anderson (Sr., LB, Karlstad, Minn.) each totaled four stops an shared a sack.

The 5-2 Beavers, who are now 4-2 in NSIC competition, hit the road next weekend to clash with NSIC North foe University of Minnesota, Crookston. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Ed Widseth Field in Crooskton, Minn.

NCAA Super Region #3 Rankings No. 1

October 5, 2009 | Full Rankings

INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division II Football Committee has released this year’s first poll. The top 10 teams by super regional are listed along with their overall record and their Division II won-lost record through games of October 3, 2009.

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 7

October 5, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#17 Steve Pachan (QB, 6-2, 221, Jr., Pittsburg, Calif./Pittsburg HS/Los Medanos)
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Pachan completed 14-of-29 passes for 214 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions as Minnesota State downed Augustana 36-6 Saturday afternoon in Mankato. The game marked the second straight game that Pachan has tossed four touchdown passes. Saturday’s win marks Minnesota State’s first 6-0 start since 1926 and secured Minnesota State a winning record for the 2009 season.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#44 David Alvarez (LB, 5-11, 200, Sr., Soquel, Calif. / Soquel HS)
Northern State University

Alvarez was all over the field for the Northern State defense in their 34-17 win over Minnesota, Crookston, as he notched 12 tackles (four solo) on the afternoon and added two interceptions. His first interception kept the Golden Eagles out of the end zone prior to halftime as he picked off a Tim Ennis pass in the end zone as the clock ran out on the first half. He was part of a Wolves’ defense that held the Golden Eagles to season-best 56 rushing yards on 32 attempts (1.8 ypc), while holding the UMC offense to 17 points, also a season-low.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#10 Billy Emanuel IV (K, 5-9, 165, R-Fr., Owatonna, Minn. / Owatonna)
Winona State University

Emanuel made his collegiate debut with a big boot. His first collegiate field goal attempt was good from 38 yards, he then added one from 26 and missed his third attempt. He did converted on all five of his extra point kicks for 11 total points in the Warriors eight point shoot-out win over SMSU.

UMD Goes On Scoring Spree in Rout of MSU Moorhead

October 3, 2009 | Box Scores From Today

Brad Foss scores the first of his touchdowns during the first quarter of Saturday's 76-7 win over MSU-Moorhead
Credit: Fred Whitney

Duluth, Minn. - Drizzly weather couldn't stop the University of Minnesota Duluth from its appointed rounds Saturday afternoon -- and neither could Minnesota State University Moorhead State University.

The No. 8 Bulldogs set or tied club marks for points in a quarter, half and game and ran their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference winning streak to a school-record tying 15 games while throttling the Dragons 76-7 at James S. Malosky Stadium. UMD found the end zone six times on its first 17 plays en route to taking a 41-0 lead after the first quarter and added two more scores to go up up 55-0 at halftime. The previous Bulldog marks for points in a quarter was 35 and in a half was 54. The 76 points and 11 touchdowns both equaled the previous team standards set in a 76-14 victory over the University of Minnesota Crookston seven years ago.

With the win, its eighth straight over MSU-Moorhead, UMD moved to 5-1 overall and 5-0 in the NSIC.

Junior All-American running back Isaac Odim, the current NCAA Division II scoring leader, ran for 154 yards and four touchdowns on just eight carries, marking the sixth time in six games he's eclipsed the 100-yard rushing barrier this fall. True freshman quarterback Chase Vogler completed nine of 13 passes for 119 yards and one touchdowns and added 90 more yards (on five attempts) on the ground and three more scores. Vogler has yet to throw an interception as a collegian, going 54-of-86 in his six appearances. Junior running back Brad Foss also flexed a some offensive muscle, rushing 12 times for a career-high 117 yards and two touchdowns.

UMD established a single-season best for interceptions with three, including a pair by junior strong safety Cody Eich, which gave him a team-leading four picks on the year.

The defending NCAA II champion Bulldogs will invade Aberdeen, S.D. next Saturday (Oct. 10) for an NSIC clash with Northern State University.

WSC's Fluellen Named D2Football Player of the Week

September 30, 2009 | Full Release

D2Football.com Offensive Player of the Week.
#7 Silas Fluellen (QB, 6-1, 210, Sr., Bellevue, Neb. / Bellevue West HS)
Wayne State College

Wayne State College senior quarterback Silas Fluellen is one of three players named Wednesday afternoon the D2Football.com Offensive Player of the Week following his performance in last Saturday's 42-39 win over Southwest Minnesota State.  Fluellen shared the honor with Arkansas Tech quarterback Nick Graziana and Western State (Colo.) quarterback Tyler Daniels.

The 6-1, 210 pounder from Bellevue West High School accounted for 489 yards of total offense in helping the Wildcats top the Mustangs.  Fluellen completed 34 of 47 passes for 425 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers and added another 64 yards rushing on 19 carries.  

With Saturday's performance, Fluellen became the 30th player in NCAA Division II history to surpass 10,000 yards of total offense in his career.  He now has 10,067 yards entering Saturday's homecoming contest vs. Upper Iowa.  Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Cunningham Field in Wayne.

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 6

September 28, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#7 Silas Fluellen (QB, 6-1, 210, Sr., Bellevue, Neb. / Bellevue West HS)
Wayne State College

Fluellen accounted for 489 yards of total offense to help #22 Wayne State win a 42-39 slugfest vs. Southwest Minnesota State Saturday in Wayne. Fluellen completed 34 of 47 passes for 425 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers and added another 64 yards rushing on 19 carries. Fluellen needs 419 yards in passing to surpass Josh Shudlick of SMSU as the all-time NSIC leader and he needs 713 yards of total offense to eclipse the NSIC mark of 8,953 yards held by James McNear of Concordia, St. Paul. This marks the second time this season Fluellen has been named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week (9/14/09).

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#53 Will Brown (DL, 6-1, 230, Sr., Shoreview, Minn./Roseville Area HS/Iowa Central CC)
Concordia University, St. Paul

Brown continues to be the rock of the CU defense, producing a career-high 12 tackles including 3.5 for loss and a sack. He also forced a fumble on the one yard line that teammate Arnold Doxie scooped up and returned 41 yards to the 42 to set up Concordia’s game-tying touchdown in the third quarter. His 10.5 tackles for loss on the season lead the NSIC by four, the next closest producing 6.5 while the sack was his third of the season, ranking second in the league. His 33 tackles on the season rank 18th in the 14 team league, impressive for a pass rusher, especially given that he leads all defensive linemen in tackles in 2009.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#35 Jimmie Mattson (K/P, 6-1, 170, Fr., Eleva, Wis. / Eau Claire Memorial HS)
Minnesota State University Moorhead

Mattson drilled a 38-yarder field goal in the third quarter to put the Dragons up 17-13 on Minnesota, Crookston. He was also connected on all three extra point kicks for total of 6 points in the 24-13 win. On kickoffs, Mattson also kicked five times for 287 yards, averaging 57.4 yards per kickoff.

#7 MSU Ends #25 WSU's 19 Game Home Win Streak

September 26, 2009 | Box Score

Winona, Minn. – Minnesota State junior quarterback Steve Pachan completed 14-of-17 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns as the Mavericks downed Winona State, 34-13, Saturday afternoon in front of 3,297 fans in Winona.

The win for the Mavericks snapped Winona State’s 35-game NSIC home winning streak and 19-game overall winning streak in Verizon Stadium.

The win pushed Minnesota State’s record to 5-0 marking just the third time in school history that it has won its first five games. The last time MSU opened 5-0, was in 1993, a year in which the Mavericks qualified for the NCAA playoffs. Minnesota State also opened 5-0 in 1926.

“We had some good fortune, but we had some very good play,” said head coach Todd Hoffner. “Up front we did a very solid job. It boiled down to making big plays with our wideouts and our wideouts came up very big. Our receivers made some great catches to help Steve (Pachan) out. It is good to see.”

“Our defense turned them down in the redzone. WinonaState moved the ball very well and we did a good job tipping the ball and making interceptions. We had a lot of patience and a lot of poise.”

The Mavericks opened the game with a 7-play, 70-yard drive that chewed up just over three minutes. Junior quarterback Steve Pachan capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown toss to senior wideout Vincent Flury. The touchdown was set up when Pachan found tight end Ryan Luedtke for a 26-yard gain, giving MSU a first-and-goal from the four yard line.

The Warriors would crack the scoreboard early in the second quarter with a defensive touchdown. Pachan completed a pass to Flury over the middle, which was fumbled and returned by Lucas Wolf for a 54-yard touchdown.

Minnesota State answered on the following drive as Walker punched in a four-yard touchdown run. The drive started with a 49-yard kick return by senior kick returner Kelvin Rodgers. An additional 15-yards was tacked on after the return thanks to a Winona State personal foul. Brockshus added the extra point, and Minnesota State regained the lead, 14-7.

Winona State then scored on the ensuing drive when quarterback Greg Preston found Drew Alexander for a six-yard touchdown pass with 4:47 remaining in the half. Senior defensive tackle Randy Earl blocked the extra point, and MSU held onto the 14-13 advantage.

Minnesota State again answered a WSU scoring drive as Pachan found junior wideout Omaar Balton for a 22-yard scoring strike. Brockshus added the extra point, and MSU opened a 21-13 lead with 2:03 remaining in the first half. Pachan was 4-for-4 on the drive for 44 yards. Redshirt freshman Adam Theilen caught three passes on the drive, covering 22 yards.
The Mavericks opened the second half similar to the way they opened the first half, with a Pachan touchdown.

Minnesota State forced the Warriors into a three and out, and after an 11-yard punt, Pachan and the Maverick offense took over on their own 38-yard line. Three plays later, Pachan found senior wideout Chris Nowlin for a 44-yard touchdown pass. Brockshus added the extra point, and extended its lead to 28-13 with 11:31 remaining in the third quarter.

Minnesota State scored its fifth touchdown of the day when Pachan connected with Balton for a 74-yard touchdown pass along the Winona State sideline. The extra point was no good and MSU opened a 34-13 lead with 4:07 remaining in the game. The touchdown was set up when junior defensive end Michael Robinson hauled in his first career interception.

Winona State threatened late in the fourth quarter, however junior defensive back Tory Jones picked off a Preston pass in the endzone to give MSU the ball and the victory.
Flury caught five passes for 66 yards while Balton had two catches for 96 yards and two scores to pace the Minnesota State wideouts.

Senior running back Jullian Phipps led all rushers with 11 carries for 75 yards. Senior linebacker Dan Fehlberg collected a team-high nine tackles.

The Maverick defense forced Preston into a 22-of-40 day for 278 yards and four interceptions. Sophomore Jesse Hamilton hauled in two interceptions for the Mavericks to go along with his four tackles.

“We were just reading what they gave us,” said Pachan. “We had a great week of practice and game-planning and we will have to do the same next week.”

The Mavericks ran 53 plays for 414 yards, while Winona State ran 69 plays for 413 yards.

All of Today's Final Scores
Minnesota Crookston 13 at Minnesota State Moorhead 24
Minnesota State 34 at Winona State 13
St. Cloud State 57 at Upper Iowa 10
Concordia St. Paul 23 at Augustana (SD) 30
Southwest Minnesota State 39 at Wayne State 42
Minnesota Duluth 35 at Mary 7 C
Bemidji State 42 at Northern State 20 C

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 5

September 21, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#7 Jake Aberg (RB, 5-11, 201, Fr., Winterset, Iowa / Dallas Center Grimes)
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Jake Aberg rushed 23 times for 205 yards and a touchdown as #7 Minnesota State defeated #20 Wayne State, 37-34 in two overtimes Saturday evening in Mankato. Aberg’s 205 yards rushing marks the third-highest single-game rushing effort in school history and the best since Josh Bryant ran for 171 yards in Minnesota State’s 16-13 loss to Minnesota Duluth on Oct. 14, 2006.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#43 Cody Dummer (LB, 6-3, 220, Jr., Waterford, Wis. / Union HS)
Winona State University

Cody Dummer helped lead the Warriors to convert four turnovers into touchdowns and scores on five consecutive possessions. He finished with 7 total tackles on 3 solo and 4 assisted and added one sack and tackle for loss of 10 yards, forced one fumble, picked off a pass and returned it 22 yards and also broke up another pass. His interception set up the first of five consecutive possession scores, while his forced fumble set up the fourth touchdown on the series.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#39 Jesse Sundby (K/P, 5-8, 208, So., Argyle, Minn. / Stephen-Argyle Central)
Bemidji State University

Jesse Sundby was a perfect 5-for-5 on PATs and split the uprights from 34 yards out on his only field goal attempt. In addition he punted three times for an average of 50.0 yards per punt, which included a career-best 61-yard bomb pinning MSUM deep inside their own 20 yard line. In seven kickoffs, the sophomore averaged 60 yards per kick.

Mavericks Down Wildcats In Double-Overtime Thriller

September 19, 2009 | Box Score

Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State freshman kicker Sam Brockshus connected on a 19-yard field goal at end of the second overtime to propel seventh-ranked Mavericks to a 37-34 victory over #20 Wayne State in front of 3,288 fans in Blakeslee Stadium on the campus of Minnesota State University.

The game marked the first time since Oct. 23, 1993 that two ranked teams played a football game in Blakeslee Stadium. The seventh-ranked Mavericks prevailed in that game, defeating #17 Northern Colorado, 35-28.

It also marked the second time that MSU has gone to overtime at home this season. Both overtime games have seen regulation end with the score tied at 34.

"Sam (Brockshus) is an excellent football player," said head coach Todd Hoffner. "Nobody's perfect, but he's made several clutch kicks for us and he was the hero today. We did a lot of things good tonight, but it was a battle. They're a good team. I thought we had a fire in our eyes before the game and we got off to a great start and it's always great when you win."

The two teams combined for 1,029 yards of total offense and 71 first downs.

Redshirt-freshman Jake Aberg started the scoring for the Mavericks early in the first quarter with a 17-yard scoring run at the 11:06 mark. Senior running back Ernest Walker then pushed the Maverick’s lead to 14-0 with a six-yard scoring plunge with 1:23 remaining in the first quarter.

Wayne State College answered early in the second quarter as quarterback Silas Fluellen tossed a one-yard touchdown pass to Frederick Bruno to cap a 14-play, 54-yard drive. Wayne State once again scored via the arm of Fluellen as he hit Frederick Bruno once again down the sideline for a 45-yard touchdown pass at the 5:20 mark of the second quarter, tying the game at 14.

The Mavericks would take a 17-14 halftime lead as freshman kicker Sam Brockshus connected on a 41-yard field goal to close the first half.

The third quarter’s only scoring came on a 41-yard field goal off the foot of Nick Hope, tying the game at 17.

Wayne State College started the scoring in the fourth quarter when Nick Pulscher busted a 47-yard touchdown run at the 8:54 mark to give the Wildcats a 24-17 lead.

After the team’s alternated possessions, Minnesota State senior wideout Vincent Flury caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Steve Pachan to tie the game at 24. An interception by MSU sophomore Jesse Hamilton – his second of the game – would give the Mavericks the ball on Wayne State’s 27-yard line. Pachan then capped the 9-play, 27-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown giving MSU a 31-24 lead.

On the ensuing Wildcat drive, Fluellen scored on a 47-yard rush with 57 seconds remaining and forcing overtime.

MSU started the overtime action with a 27-yard field goal by Brockshus that gave MSU a 34-31 lead. The lead was short lived as Wayne State’s Nick Hope nailed the 21-yard field goal to force a second overtime.

In the second overtime, Hope missed a 32-yard field goal, setting up Brocksus heroics.

MSU ran 48 times for 319 yards, while WSC rushed 28 times for 184 yards. Fluellen completed 30-of-51 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns, while Pachan completed 14-of-26 passes for 149 yards and two scores.

Aberg led all rushers with 23 carries for 205 yards and a touchdown. His 205 yards marked the third time in school history that the Mavericks have had a player rush for over 200 yards in a game.

Flury led MSU with six catches for 173 yards and a touchdown while Bruno caught 11 passes for 123 yards and two scores for Wayne State.

Senior linebacker Matt McQuiston led MSU with 11 tackles including two sacks and a pass break-up. Hamilton added six tackles and two interceptions in the win.

Minnesota State (4-0, 3-0 NSIC/1-0 NSIC South) travels to Winona State for a 1 p.m., kick in Winona.

UIU "Fills the Boot" for MDA

September 12, 2009 | Fill the Boot

Logan Manderfield During the Opening Coin Toss

The Upper Iowa Peacock Athletics Department and the Fayette Firefighters teamed up for a fundraiser called “Fill the Boot” on Saturday, September 12th to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Fayette Firefighters were at the Upper Iowa football home opener with their boots so those in attendance could make a donation to help them in their fight against MDA.  The Fayette Fire Deptartment announced that they raised $647 in donations at the game.

The Upper Iowa Athletics Department and the Peacock football team also hosted Logan Manderfield and his family for the day. Logan is a five-year old who is living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The Waucoma, Iowa native was on the sidelines for UIU’s home opener against Northern State and spent some time with the team in the locker room and was honored by flipping the coin prior to the game. Upper Iowa rallied from a 21 point deficit to win 42-35 in overtime.

At halftime of the UIU-NSU game, Upper Iowa recognized the Fayette Firefighters on the field. The Fayette Fire department is made up of volunteer firefighters that protect Fayette and the surrounding communities. For more information on “Fill the Boot” click here.

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 4

September 14, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#7 Silas Fluellen (QB, 6-1, 210, Sr. Bellevue, Neb. / Bellevue West HS)
Wayne State College

Fluellen completed 29 of 32 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns to lead #23 Wayne State in a 41-20 rout of St. Cloud State. The Bellevue West graduate started the game completing his first 14 passes as WSC opened an early 21-0 lead. Fluellen currently ranks fourth in both NSIC career passing yards (6,568) and total offense yardage (7,351) entering Saturday’s showdown at #8 Minnesota State. Fluellen needs 1,168 yards to surpass Josh Shudlick’s (SMSU, 2005-08) record of 7,736 yards and he needs 1,602 yards to move past the NSIC total offense mark of 8,953 yards held by James McNear of Concordia, St. Paul from 2002-05.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#3 Nate Curran (DB, 6-0, 215, RS-Jr., Cedar Falls, Iowa /University of Northern Iowa)
Upper Iowa University

Nate Curran collected 13 tackles and picked off a Northern State pass in the Peacock overtime victory. Curran’s 13 tackles, including 6 solo and 1 tackle for a 4 yard loss, were a game high. The junior safety also added a break up in coverage.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#96 Steven King (K, 5-10, 190, Jr., Johnston, Iowa / Johnston HS / Iowa State)
Concordia University

The outfielder and starting pitcher for Golden Bear baseball made the transition to the gridiron and in his CU football debut, Steven King tied a school record by drilling three field goals and a pair of extra points to account for 11 total points in a 10 point Golden Bear road victory at MSU Moorhead. King was added to the roster in the week leading up to the game and didn’t disappoint. He converted field goals from 19, 17 and 28 yards in the second, third and fourth quarters, respectively. On his first seven kickoffs of his career, King forced the Dragon’s to an average starting position at the 30 yard line.

Augie's Vanasek Named D2Football Player of the Week

September 9, 2009 | D2Football Release

D2Football.com Defensive Player of the Week.
#17 Mike Vanasek (SS, 6-1, 195, Sr., Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville HS)
Augustana College

Vanasek had the best statistical game of his career in leading Augustana to a 32-21 win over Emporia State on Saturday. Vanasek collected a game-high 9 tackles, including 4 tackles for a loss of 21 yards. Three of those tackles behind the line of scrimmage were sacks. His 9 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 3 sacks all matched career highs. In addition, he broke up 1 pass attempt. Vanasek’s presence in the Hornet backfield helped Augustana limit ESU to just 88 yards rushing. Emporia State entered the game running for 399 yards against Southwestern Oklahoma State a week earlier.

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 3

September 8, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#8 Henry Lau (QB, 6-5, 240, Sr., Menomonee Falls, Wis.)
University of Mary

Lau threw for five touchdowns as the Marauders offense erupted for 570 total yards in a 47-31 home-opening win over Upper Iowa. In addition to the five scores, Lau threw for 369 yards while completing 22-of-40 passes. Down by 10 points late in the first half, the U-Mary team captain led the Marauders to 28 straight points. He connected with nine different receivers in the game and four players caught scoring passes.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#17 Mike Vanasek (SS, 6-1, 195, Sr., Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville HS)
Augustana College

Vanasek had the best statistical game of his career in leading Augustana to a 32-21 win over Emporia State on Saturday. Vanasek collected a game-high 9 tackles, including 4 tackles for a loss of 21 yards. Three of those tackles behind the line of scrimmage were sacks. His 9 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 3 sacks all matched career highs. In addition, he broke up 1 pass attempt. Vanasek’s presence in the Hornet backfield helped Augustana limit ESU to just 88 yards rushing. Emporia State entered the game running for 399 yards against Southwestern Oklahoma State a week earlier.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#18 Nick Hope (K, 6-0, 225, Sr., Avoca, Iowa / Avoca HST HS)
Wayne State

Hope became the all-time leader in made field goals at Wayne State by making 23 and 47 yard field goals in Saturday’s 41-0 win at MSU Moorhead. Hope now has 27 career field goals, breaking the previous school mark of 26 field goals held by Herve Roussel from 1984-85. He was also 5-5 on point after attempts in the game for a total of 11 of the 41 points in the contest.

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 2

August 31, 2009 | PDF Release

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week
#11 Isaac Odim (RB, 6-0, 215, Jr., Rochester, Minn. / Rochester CC)
Minnesota Duluth

Odim rushed 12 times for 187 yards and two touchdowns, caught three passes for 75 yards and another two scores, and brought back Concordia-St. Paul’s only kickoff of the game 92 yards into the end zone in UMD’s 56-0 victory over the Golden Bears Saturday night. Odim, a returnng All-American and the 2009 NSIC North Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, scored on runs of 86 and 42 yards and hooked up with sophomore Jon Lynch for scoring strikes of 60 and 7 yards. His 354 multipurpose yards were a career high while his five total touchdowns were just one shy of the UMD single-game record.

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week
#41 Chris Janisch (MLB, 6-1, 243, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Roosevelt HS)
Augustana College

Chris Janisch spearheaded Augustana’s defense to a 38-16 win over St. Cloud State. Janisch recorded a career-high 16 tackles, including 11 solo stops. He also had 1 tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry from his middle linebacker position. Janisch played a key role in helping Augustana limit St. Cloud State to 17 yards in the fourth quarter and just 123 yards in the second half.

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week
#18 Sam Brockshus (K, 5-10, 184, Fr., Spencer, Iowa / Spencer)
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Brockshus converted all four of his extra point opportunities and booted a 46-yard field goal to close out the first half and push MSU to a 24-6 halftime edge. The field goal was the second longest in school history and is the longest since Nov. 10, 2007 by a Maverick. Brockshuh also kicked off five times covering 279 yards, averaging 55.8 yards per kick.

WSU Upsets #9 Carson-Newman
Extend Home Win Streak to 19

August 27, 2009 | Stats

Winona, Minn. - Winona State upset #9 Carson-Newman 17-12 as the Warriors extended their home winning streak to 19 games. The Warriors used the running back tandem of Rayon Simmons and Curtis Dewberry (pictured) to run all over the Eagles. Simmons rushed 14 times for 138 yards and a touchdown while Dewberry had 24 rushes for 80 yards and a touchdown. The Warriors led 17-0 before the Eagles scored two fourth quarter touchdowns, including one in the final minute. The Warriors last home loss came Sept. 10, 2005 to the University of North Dakota. Stats

In other football action Augustana College defeated St. Cloud State 38-16 in the first conference action of the season. Bemidji State rolled over Minot State in the Beaver Bash, 47-20 while Northern State took at 49-14 thumping at the hands of Missouri Western State.

NSIC Weekly Football Release No. 1

August 25, 2009 | PDF Release

St. Paul, Minn. - The NSIC football season will begin this weekend with all 14 teams competing either on Thursday night or Saturday. Fans won't have to wait long for big match-ups as three conference games will take place this week. Possibly the biggest game will match Augustana at College at St. Cloud State on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Other conference action this weekend have SMSU at Minnesota, Crookston at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and Concordia-St. Paul taking on defending DII National Champions of Minnesota Duluth Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. The NSIC will continue to offer free live webcasts of all NSIC home football games. Go to http://www.northernsun.tv for complete schedule of game available.

Thursday, August 27
Northern State at Missouri Western State -6:00 pm
C Augustana at St. Cloud State -7:00 pm
Carson-Newman at Winona State -7:00 pm
Minot State at Bemidji State -7:00 pm
Saturday, August 29
Mary at Chadron State -12:00 pm
C SMSU at Minnesota Crookston -1:00 pm
Valley City State at MSU Moorhead -1:00 pm
Upper Iowa at Lincoln -5:00 pm
C Concordia St. Paul at #3 Minnesota Duluth -6:00 pm
Nebraska-Kearney at Wayne State-6:00 pm
#17 Minnesota State at Truman State -7:00 pm

AFCA Releases Preseason Top 25 Poll

August 17, 2009 | AFCA Release

Waco, Texas. - Grand Valley State (Mich.), fresh off of a quarterfinal appearance in the 2008 NCAA Division II playoffs, opens up 2009 as the preseason favorite to win the national championship. This is the sixth time since the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Poll started in 2000 that the Lakers have begun the season ranked No. 1. Grand Valley State (Mich.) received 12 first place votes, while 2008 national runner-up Northwest Missouri State received four and comes in ranked No. 2. Defending national champion and No. 3 Minnesota-Duluth received eight first place votes while No. 5 Abilene Christian (Texas) received the final first place vote.
Minnesota State was ranked 17th in the poll. Wayne State, Augustana and St. Cloud State all received votes in the poll as well.

*– Ranking in final AFCA Division II Poll of 2008

Others Receiving Votes: Catawba (N.C.), 70; Southern Connecticut St., 49; Michigan Tech, 42; Wayne St. (Neb.), 41; Texas A&M-Commerce, 38; Tarleton St. (Texas), 37; Indiana (Pa.), 35; Texas A&M-Kingsville, 33; Augustana (S.D.), 30; Colorado School of Mines, 30; Nebraska-Omaha, 28; Washburn (Kan.), 22; Wayne St. (Mich.), 21; Nebraska-Kearney, 20; Missouri S&T, 19; Arkansas-Monticello, 17; St. Cloud State (Minn.), 15; Southeastern Oklahoma St., 12; Wingate (N.C.), 11; North Carolina-Pembroke, 10; Missouri Western St., 6; Seton Hill (Pa.), 6; Charleston (W.Va.), 5; American International (Mass.), 4; Arkansas Tech, 4; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 4; Midwestern St. (Texas), 3; Western Oregon, 1.

D2Football.com Releases Preseason Poll/Awards

August 17, 2009 | D2Football.com

Liberty, Mo. - D2Football.com has released their preseason national rankings along with its preseason awards. The NSIC had three teams ranked in the top 25 in the nation according to the poll. Defending NCAA DII National Champions of Minnesota Duluth are ranked fourth in the nation. Minnesota State University, Mankato (17th) and Wayne State (25th) were both ranked after making the NCAA Playoffs a year ago.

D2Football.com also released their preseason All-American teams. Seth Haun (Sr., OL) from Winona State was named First Team Preseason All-American while Isaac Odim (Jr., RB) and Tubias Lemke (Sr., OL) of Minnesota Duluth, Logan Masters (Sr., WR) of Wayne State and Kelvin Rodgers (Sr., Return Specialist) of Minnesota State were named Second Team Preseason All-Americans.

2009 D2Football.com Top 25 Media Poll – Preseason

Others Receiving Votes
Missouri Western, Central Missouri, Albany State, Nebraska-Kearney, Michigan Tech, Colorado Mines, Saginaw Valley, Washburn, Seton Hill, Central Oklahoma, Tarleton State, American International, Wayne State (Mi), Mars Hill, Arkansas-Monticello, Hillsdale, Newberry, Midwestern State, Wingate, Southern Connecticut, UNC Pembroke, Mesa State, East Stroudsburg, Arkansas Tech, Glenville State

Minnesota Duluth Tabbed Preseason Coaches' Favorite
UMD Picked in North - MSU in South

August 11, 2009 | Full Release

St. Paul, Minn. - The defending Football National Champions of the University of Minnesota Duluth were selected by the league coaches as the overall and north division preseason favorite in the NSIC in 2009. The Bulldogs edged out Minnesota State University, Mankato (the coaches favorite in the south division) by six points to earn the honor. UMD received nine first place votes compared to five for the Mavericks.

The Bulldogs will boast the NSIC North Division Offensive Preseason Player of the Year in running back Isaac Odim and North Division Defensive Preseason Player of the Year in linebacker Robbie Aurich. Minnesota State was picked to win the south and will have the NSIC’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in the south in defensive back Kelvin Rodgers. Wayne State’s quarterback Silas Fluellen repeated as the South Division Offensive Preseason Player of the Year.

As in the 2008 season, the NSIC football schedule will be broken into two seven-team divisions (north/south). Each team will play ten conference games that will count towards the NSIC Overall Champion as well as six divisional games that will count towards the NSIC North/South Championships. In all, three league championships will be awarded (Overall Champion, North Division Champion, South Division Champion). Ties will not be broken for overall or division champions.

NSIC North Offensive Preseason Player of the Year
#31 Isaac Odim (RB, 6-0, 215, Jr., Rochester, Minn. / Rochester CC)
University of Minnesota Duluth

Odim made his Bulldog debut last fall and the then-sophomore running back wound up setting club marks for rushing yards (1,638), rushing touchdowns (26), average yards per carry (7.3 yards), total touchdowns (30) and scoring (180) while equaling marks for 100-yard rushing games (nine) and consecutive 100-yard rushing games (seven). He earned a spot on both the d2football.com (honorable mention) and Don Hansen Football Gazette (third team) teams in addition to the All-NSIC first team. Odim scored two of his touchdowns in the National Championship game last season, a 5-yard touchdown reception and a 4-yard run. He averaged 109.2 yards rushing per game in 2008.

NSIC North Defensive Preseason Players of the Year
#41 Robbie Aurich (LB, 5-11, 250, Jr., Spring Lake, Mich.)
University of Minnesota Duluth

Aurich led the Bulldogs with 101 tackles in 2008, with 13 of those coming in the 21-14 win over Northwest Missouri State in the NCAA DII National Championship game. He had 57 solo stops, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception for a defense that held NSIC opponents to an average of 11.1 points per game and did not give up more than 21 points to anyone. Aurich was second team all-conference a year ago.

NSIC South Offensive Preseason Player of the Year
#7 Silas Fluellen (QB, 6-0, 210, Sr., Bellevue, Neb.)
Wayne State College

Fluellen earned NSIC South Division All-Conference First Team honors last season after guiding Wayne State to a 9-3 record and the school’s first-ever NCAA playoff berth. Fluellen completed 222 of 375 passes (59.2%) for 2,902 yards and 16 TD’s while rushing for another 518 yards and five scores. He led the NSIC in total offense last season at 285.0 yards per game and ranked second in passing yards per game (241.8). Fluellen already holds career passing records at WSC for touchdowns (50) and passing yards (7,325) and needs just 36 completions to break Jamie Jones’ school record for career completions (578). Entering his senior season, Fluellen ranks fourth in NSIC career total offense (6,695 yards) and is sixth in NSIC career passing yards at 5,966 yards. Fluellen was the 2008 NSIC South Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

NSIC South Defensive Preseason Players of the Year
#2 Kelvin Rodgers (DB, 6-0, 177, Sr., East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis HS)
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Rodgers was a First-Team All-NSIC South Division selection as well as being named Second-Team All-American by D2football.com and the Don Hansen Football Gazette. He also was garnered Second-Team All-Region by Daktronics and the Don Hansen Football Gazette. As a defensive back he finished with 23 tackles, including three interceptions - one of which went for a touchdown - and five pass break-ups. He was the NSIC South Division Return Specialist of the Year in 2008 after he returned 31 kicks for 841 yards and two touchdowns. He set the MSU single-game record with six kick returns for 178 yards in MSU’s opening-game loss to Central Missouri. He returned four kicks for 155 yards and a score against Wayne State and was named the NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts. The following week the returned five kicks for 135 yards and a touchdown in MSU’s win over Winona State and was again named the league’s Special Teams Player of the Week He had a stretch of four consecutive games (Sept. 13-Oct. 4) where he returned either a punt, interception or a kick for a touchdown. On the season he collected 1,135 all purpose yards.

Full Release (Including NSIC Players to Watch)

UMD Ranked 3rd, MSU 18th in Sporting News Preseason D II Top 25 Football Poll

June 4, 2009

Defending National Champions of Minnesota Duluth were picked third and the Minnesota State football team was ranked #18 in the 2009 Sporting News Division II Preseason Top-25 Poll.

Not only did the 2008 Bulldogs lay claim to its first-ever national championship, but they became just the third NCAA II school to ever finish a season with a perfect 15-0 record.

The ranking marks the first time since 1995 that Minnesota State has been featured in a preseason poll when the Mavericks were ranked #18 in the National Football Coaches Association poll.

Minnesota State is coming off a 9-3 campaign in 2008. Last year, MSU went 9-1 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, finishing second. In the South Division of the NSIC, MSU was 5-1 and tied for first. The Mavericks advanced to the NCAA Playoffs for the fourth time in school history in 2008.

The Sporting News Division II Preseason Top-25 Poll
1. Grand Valley State
2. Northwest Missouri State
3. Minnesota Duluth
4. Delta State
5. Edinboro
6. Pittsburg State
7. Bloomsburg
8. Carson-Newman
9. Central Oklahoma
10. Central Washington
11. North Alabama
12. Tusculum
13. California (Pa.)
14. Ashland
15. Abilene Christian
16. Tuskegee
17. Chadron State
18. Minnesota State
19. Valdosta State
20. Nebraska-Kearney
21. Seton Hill
22. Indiana (Pa.)
23. American International
24. Arkansas Tech
25. Shaw

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NCAA Football Home Page www.ncaafootball.net