BEMIDJI, Minn. – For the first time in the program's 96-year history, the Bemidji State Football team won a home playoff game Saturday afternoon after the Beavers (10-2) defeated Winona State University 31-7 at Chet Anderson Stadium and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Football DII Tournament.
 
In frigid temperatures reminiscent to the 2019 Hockey Day In Minnesota on the shore of Lake Bemidji, the Beavers used a 24-point third quarter to claim its 10^th consecutive victory surpassing a 82-year program record.
 
Stunned by the cold and gusting winds, both teams had trouble adjusting to the elements during the first half and neither team was able to score. Winona State had the closest drive to the end zone in the half after driving to the BSU 10-yard line halfway through the first quarter but missed the 27-yard field goal attempt.
 
After the 15-minute halftime and time to make adjustments, the Bemidji State offense found its rhythm in the third quarter when one of the nation's top quarterback-wide receiver duo Brandon Alt and Brendan Beaulieu exploded for three touchdowns in the quarter.
 
Alt would first connect with Beaulieu just 2:23 into the third quarter off a 38-yard pass and became the program's career passing touchdown record holder with his 90^th career passing touchdown to surpass Jordan Hein. After a 22-yard field goal from Connor Cusick on the next Beaver drive, Alt and Beaulieu connected once again this time from 29-yards out. The duo didn't stop there and with just 2:55 remaining in the quarter, Alt found Beaulieu for a third time.
 
Winona State had no answer for the Alt-Beaulieu connection that has been developing for the past four seasons and just 33 seconds into the four quarter, Alt hit Beaulieu for a 24-yard touchdown to tie the program record for most receiving touchdowns in a game (Chad Postal, 11/17/1991).
 
Bemidji State's "Gang-Green" defense showed why it's a top-ranked defense in Division II and held the NSIC South Division Co-Champions scoreless through 55:23 minutes of play. However, with 4:37 to play, the Warriors denied the Beavers' attempt at their first shutout since 2018 when quarterback Trevor Paulsen scampered 46 yards for the Warriors' first score of the game.
 
Bemidji State would ultimately claim the ultimate prize and held the Warriors off the scoreboard for the remaining time for the 31-7 victory.
 
The Gang-Green defense continue relentless pressure on the Warriors and forced two fumbles in the game while also earning five sacks led by senior Zollie Kaplan who recorded 2.5 sacks and is now a 0.5 sack away from tying Jay Hanson for most quarterback sacks in program history.
 
Alt finished the game 16-for-24 throwing the football with 260 yards and also became the program's career passing yardage leader at 8,471-yards also surpassing Jordan Hein. He finished the game with four touchdown passes while the Warriors forced three interceptions.
 
Bemidji State totaled 130 yards rushing in the game and was led by senior Jalen Frye who totaled 56 yards on 17 attempts.
 
Beaulieu finished the game with five catches for 138 yards and four touchdowns to also tie his own record for most receptions in a season (76) while Joey Baron also caught five passes and totaled 38 yards.
 
Spencer Wehr paced the defense with seven tackles in the game and had a 0.5 sack and fumble recovery while Stephen Hoffman, Jarrett Klein and Caleb Young each had six.
 
Bemidji State advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season and will now travel to Super Region 4 No. 1 overall seed, No. 2 Angelo State University. The Beavers and Rams (11-0) will do battle from San Angelo, Texas and LeGrand Stadium, home of the ASU Football Team, Saturday, Nov. 26 at 1:00 p.m.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State football program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversFB).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association 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).
 
--bsu—