BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Football travels to Moorhead, Minn. Saturday for a noon kick off against Minnesota State University Moorhead at Nemzek Stadium. The matchup will be the 77^th time the coveted Battle Axe will be up for grabs.
 
The Battle Axe

• Seventy-six times the two teams have met on the gridiron to stake claim of a traveling trophy called The Battle Axe - an ancient weapon from New Guinea.
• Currently the second longest traveling trophy in Division II history, the Beavers and Dragons have played every season for the coveted bragging right with BSU trailing in the all-time Axe series 35-38-3 but have won 19 of the last 25 games and a five-game win streak.
• Last season, Bemidji State downed MSU Moorhead, 25-14. This win included a tackle for a safety from, then senior, defensive lineman Cade Barrett and a "Hail Mary" touchdown pass from Sam McGath to Brice Peters to pull withing five points heading into the half, down 15-9. McGath would go on to score a two-yard rushing touchdown around nine minutes into the third quarter, giving the Beavers the upper hand. 
• For more information on the Battle Axe, click here. Information on the series can be found on page 49 of the Beaver Football record book. 

 
Bemidji State Notes

• The Beavers enter this week on a high after winning their last three matchups. Last weekend, a three-touchdown day for wide receiver Jake Hill led the team to a 47-25 victory at home. 
• Bart McAninch has grown into the Beavers' top quarterback during his redshirt-freshman season. McAninch has climbed to No. 10 in the NCAA for completion percentage at 68.9 percent. He is also in the top 50 for passing efficiency at 147.3, taking 46th. 
• McAninch's efforts have been assisted by the Beaver offensive line which has climbed to fourth in the NCAA for tackles for loss allowed, ranking 44th in sacks allowed. 
• BSU also posts the No. 46 rushing offense in the nation, averaging 178.8 yards per game. These efforts are led by redshirt-sophomore quarterback Connor Carver who sat out the last game due to injury. In his place, running back Antonio Brown stepped up, posting a career-high108 rushing yards with one touchdown. 
• The Beaver defense will not be giving the Dragons an easy matchup Saturday as the Beavers post the No. 32 passing defense in the country, taking second in the NSIC with 180.3 passing yards allowed per game. 
• Defensive back Caden Bolte has emerged as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to pass defense. The senior ranks 47th in the nation for passes defended, averaging one per game. He has also marked a quarterback hurry and one interception for 16 yards.
• Next week, the Beavers head to the opposite side of the state to take on No. 13/10 University of Minnesota Duluth for the final road trip of the regular season. They'll be back on Nov. 15 to host the University of Mary at 1 p.m. at Chet Anderson Stadium.

 
MSU Moorhead Notes

• MSUM is looking to get back into the win column this weekend after falling 49-48 to (RV) Northern State University in overtime.
• Prior to their overtime loss, the Dragons had defeated Minot State University 40-37 in overtime and University of Mary 38-35. 
• The Dragons hold a 5-3 overall record with 4-3 in the conference. Though the team is ranked sixth overall in the NSIC, the Dragons sit in fifth in the Northern division with a 2-2 divisional record. 
• The Beaver defense will be going up against the No. 2 passing offense in the country this weekend. Jack Strand leads the way for MSUM, ranking second in the NCAA for passing touchdowns, passing yards, passing yards per game, points responsible for and completions per game. Partner this with wide receiver Gage Florence's efforts that have gained him the number one spot in the NCAA for receptions per game, ranking 10th in receiving yards and 11th in receiving touchdowns.
• The Dragon offense averages around 348 passing yards per game, playing a large roll in the team landing in the No. 16 spot in the NCAA for scoring offense and No. 19 spot for total offense. 
• MSUM struggles both offensively and defensively on the ground, ranking 139th for rushing offense and rushing defense. They only post around 90.3 yards of offense on the ground and allow opponents to gain 202.6 per game. 
• Next week, MSUM hosts the University of Jamestown for the Dragons' final home matchup of the season. They'll close the regular season at No. 18/21 Minnesota State University Mankato on Nov. 15.

 
For more information on the Bemidji State Football program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like 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 and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).