BEMIDJI, Minn. (Chet Anderson Stadium) -- Freshman kicker Mason Hoffer connected on a 38-yard field goal in overtime to seal No. 25 Bemidji State University football's 31-28 win over Northern State University Saturday at Chet Anderson Stadium. Sophomore quarterback Nick Mehlum made his first career start to keep the Beavers undefeated in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference North Division action (5-1, 2-0 NSIC North).

BSU found itself in a 14-0 hole heading into the second quarter before Mehlum threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Eric Wunrow in the back of the end zone. After averaging 30.8 points in the first half of the first four games, the Beavers only managed seven against the Wolves. While throwing two interceptions in each half, the Wolves were only able to capitalize with seven points off turnovers.

Following a 14-7 deficit at half time, senior running back Gena Adams tied the game in the third quarter with a touchdown, accounting for two of his 95 total rushing yards on the day. The Wolves closed out the third quarter by regaining the lead, despite missing the extra point field goal attempt. Mehlum connected with junior wide receiver Blake Holder from 19 yards out for his second touchdown pass of the day, helping Bemidji State to its first lead of the day, 21-20.

Mid-way through the fourth quarter, Northern State completed a 55-yard pass to set up the go-ahead touchdown from three yards out. The Wolves converted a two-point conversion to pull ahead, 28-21. Junior running back Tahi Nomane converted the game-tying touchdown with 17 seconds left to force overtime.

The Beavers forced a fourth down for the Wolves on their first offensive possession of overtime, which NSU attempted and failed a fake field goal pass play. Bemidji State took over and committed to running the ball, which set up a the 38-yard field goal attempt for Hoffer. The Minot, N.D., native, who had successfully converted four extra-point attempts on the day, saw his first career field goal attempt sail through the uprights to seal the comeback victory for the Beavers.

Bemidji State hosts homecoming weekend against Minot State University for the 18th installment of the “Beaver Bash”. BSU has won 16 of the 17 games in the series, including 13 consecutive. The Beavers face off at 2 p.m. from Chet Anderson Stadium with homecoming festivities taking place throughout the BSU campus.

For more information on the Bemidji State athletic programs, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeavers or @BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers or facebook.com/BSUBeaverFootball) or sign up for the TXTUpdates from BSUBeavers.com text-messaging system through the "Multimedia" pull down menu on the main page of BSUBeavers.com.

Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

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