HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Technological University (1-0) defeated Bemidji State University (0-1) with a strong second-half performance, winning 37-17 at Sherman Field in Houghton, Michigan.
The first quarter of the game began with Bemidji State making an impactful start as
Zavery Guerra returned the opening kickoff 49 yards to set up excellent field position at the Huskies' 42-yard line. This led to a strategic series of plays, highlighted by
Connor Carver's 25-yard touchdown rush at 11:47, putting Bemidji State on the scoreboard first. Later in the quarter,
Owen Dukowitz's interception at 5:57 halted a promising MTU drive, maintaining Bemidji State's lead, which stood at 7-3 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter began with Carver rushing for a 39-yard touchdown at 14:51, extending the lead.
Connor Mantelli successfully added the extra point, and later, with 20 seconds remaining, he secured a 14-yard field goal to reclaim a one-point advantage. Bemidji State's defense, including key tackles by
Nah'Shawn Keith and
Caden Bolte's pass breakup, held firm despite the Huskies' two touchdown drives in the quarter.
The 3rd quarter began with Bemidji State's Mantelli executing a 57-yard kickoff, showing strong special teams play.
Levi Daniel and Keith contributed to the defensive efforts early, with Daniel recording a tackle for loss on the Huskies' opening drive. Later,
Jayden Washington's rushing efforts highlighted Bemidji State's offensive drive, securing a first down with an 8-yard carry at 6:49 on the clock. Despite a valiant push in the final minutes and a strategic timeout at 00:25, the team was unable to convert on fourth down, concluding the quarter without scoring.
The fourth quarter began with the Huskies securing a touchdown through a 47-yard pass from Alex Bueno to Jake Rueff at 12:37, extending their lead. Despite a fumble on the subsequent kickoff return by
Drayton Lehman, Bemidji State managed to regroup, highlighted by
Zach Romak's 11-yard completion to Lehman. However, MTU capitalized on their momentum and scored another touchdown with Bueno's 3-yard rush at 10:53, securing a decisive lead, while Bemidji State remained scoreless in the quarter.
Carver contributed significantly to the offense, rushing for 96 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 14 carries.
Elliott Lowney added to the passing game with 36 receiving yards on three catches. On defense,
L'Shawn Taylor and Bolte each recorded six tackles to lead the team, while Dukowitz made a key interception. Kicker Mantelli was perfect on the day, converting one field goal and two extra points.
Bemidji State fell to 0-1 on the season. Michigan Tech moved to 1-0 following their win.
The next challenge for Bemidji State is a trip to Winona, Minn., where they will face Winona State University on September 6. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
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).
