DULUTH, Minn. — Bemidji State University football fell 42-28 to No. 13/10 University of Minnesota Duluth at James S. Malosky Stadium Saturday afternoon. 
 
Bemidji State began the game receiving the kickoff, but an early fumble by Drayton Lehman at BSU's 27-yard line was recovered by the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs capitalized on the turnover, opening the scoring with a touchdown and an extra point, taking a 7-0 lead. Bemidji State responded with a strong drive, highlighted by Connor Carver's 26-yard rushing touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7 after Connor Mantelli's successful extra point. However, UMD regained the lead with another touchdown and extra point, ending the first quarter ahead 14-7.
 
Bemidji State gained momentum early in the second quarter when Tommy Lujan forced a fumble, which was recovered by Caden Bolte at the BSU 26-yard line. Antonio Brown led the ensuing drive with several strong rushes, including an 8-yard gain to advance the ball, but the drive stalled after a sack on Carver, leading to a punt. Later, with just under three minutes left in the quarter, Bemidji State mounted a successful 60-yard drive. Carver's 15-yard touchdown pass to Lehman with 47 seconds remaining brought Bemidji State within striking distance, closing the half at 21-14 in favor of Minnesota Duluth.
 
Bemidji State gained momentum in the third quarter with a swift offensive response following a Bulldogs touchdown. Carver's 34-yard rush set up a scoring drive, culminating in his 15-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Wall at 7:12, narrowing the deficit to 28-21. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, including a defensive sack by Tyler Sapit that forced a 26-yard loss for Minnesota Duluth, they could not close the gap further. UMD added another touchdown, and Bemidji State's final drive stalled, ending the game with a 35-21 score.
 
Carver led Bemidji State's charge in the fourth quarter with a decisive drive that resulted in a touchdown. Carver completed key passes, including a 20-yard gain to Imarion Kelly, and capped the drive with an 11-yard rushing touchdown at 7:27. Mantelli added the extra point, bringing Bemidji State within striking distance. However, Minnesota Duluth responded with a touchdown drive of their own, extending their lead to 42-28. Bemidji State's subsequent drive was hindered by a fumble recovered by Deon Kelson, and they were unable to close the gap. The game ended with a final score of 42-28 in favor of Minnesota Duluth.
 
Carver completed 18-of-29 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns and added 116 rushing yards with two touchdowns on 20 carries. Lehman caught seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, despite losing a fumble. Sapit led the defense with seven tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. Wall contributed offensively with two receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown.
 
Bemidji State holds a record of 3-7 overall and 3-6 in conference play. Their final game of the season is set for next Saturday at 1 p.m. in Bemidji. The Beavers will host University of Mary to close out the 2025 campaign.  
 
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).