BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Football fell 42-14 to No. 9/13 Augustana University Saturday afternoon at Chet Anderson Stadium after starting the day on a 21-point deficit after the first quarter.
The first quarter opened with Bemidji State receiving the kickoff, but momentum quickly shifted as
Connor Carver's fumble led to an Augustana touchdown just 14 seconds into their possession. Despite efforts from
Kaleb Miller, who returned a kickoff for 19 yards and later rushed for 14 yards, Bemidji State's offense faced challenges, including a sack and incomplete passes. The defense managed a highlight when
Tyler Sapit executed a crucial sack against Augustana's Gunnar Hensley, but the quarter ended with Bemidji State trailing 21-0.
The second quarter began with a determined offensive push by Bemidji St., as Carver orchestrated an efficient no-huddle drive, completing a crucial 9-yard pass to
Antonio Brown and a key 5-yard rush for a first down. The drive was highlighted by a strong 23-yard run by Brown, moving the ball into AU territory. However, the Vikings capitalized on a turnover and scored two touchdowns, despite Bemidji St.'s strategic timeout at 5:14, ending the quarter with a 35-0 lead.
The third quarter began with a strong defensive effort by Bemidji State, as
Ray Saffold's quarterback hurry led to a holding penalty that set Augustana back 10 yards early in their drive. Bemidji State's offense responded with a methodical 91-yard drive, highlighted by
Bart McAninch's first career touchdown pass to
Antonio Brown at 7:04, narrowing the gap. Despite a late touchdown by the Vikings, Bemidji State's defense worked hard throughout the quarter, with notable tackles from
Tommy Lujan and
Gabe Ward.
The fourth quarter opened with McAninch's attempts to connect through the air, but Bemidji State found their stride on the ground. Brown highlighted a critical drive with an 8-yard rush followed by a 13-yard gain, setting the pace for the quarter. McAninch later connected with
Lucas Peterson on a deep 45-yard pass, leading to
Justin Incaprera's 3-yard touchdown run at 5:07, and
Connor Mantelli's successful extra point sealed the quarter's scoring for Bemidji State.
Drayton Lehman collected 69 receiving yards on six receptions for Bemidji St., contributing significantly to the team's aerial attack. Incaprera found the end zone with a rushing touchdown on five carries, adding 17 yards on the ground. Quarterback McAninch connected on 13 of 23 passes, amassing 157 yards and throwing one touchdown. On defense,
A'Mon Walker led the team with six tackles, helping to anchor the secondary.
Bemidji St. fell to 0-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play following the loss. AU improved to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the conference. The Beavers now travel to Minot, N.D. to take on the Minot State University Beavers in the annual Battle of the Beavers Sep. 27. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and is available on the NSIC Network and with Kevin Reid's call on the Beaver Radio Network. The team is back home for homecoming on Oct. 4, taking on Northern State University with hopes of a lake jump looming.
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).
