BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University (0-1) fell to Michigan Technological University (1-0) in a narrow 31–29 defeat on Thursday evening at Chet Anderson Stadium. The Beavers successfully converted all four of their red zone opportunities, scoring three touchdowns and a field goal in the contest.
Bemidji State began play by kicking off to Michigan Tech, who quickly capitalized on their opening drive with a series of first downs, culminating in an Elliott Larner rushing touchdown. The Beavers responded with a dynamic offensive drive, highlighted by a 51-yard pass from
Bart McAninch to
Zavery Guerra. This drive concluded with McAninch connecting with
Lucas Peterson for a 19-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7–7. However, Michigan Tech regained momentum with a touchdown pass to Nic Nora, leaving Bemidji State trailing 13–7 at the end of the first quarter.
Bemidji State made a significant impact early in the second quarter with a drive that began at its own 28-yard line. McAninch's 57-yard pass to Guerra set up a crucial scoring opportunity, which
Connor Carver capitalized on with a 1-yard touchdown run at 10:23.
Kyle Nadler's successful extra point put the Beavers ahead 14–13. However, Michigan Tech responded with a touchdown and a field goal, reclaiming the lead by the end of the half. The game concluded with Michigan Tech securing a 23–14 victory.
Bemidji State showed resilience in the third quarter, with Carver rushing for a 21-yard gain that advanced the team into Michigan Tech territory. However, the team faced a setback when a pass by McAninch was intercepted by Joey Donahue at the MTU36, halting the momentum. Despite Bemidji State's defensive efforts, Michigan Tech extended its lead with a touchdown by Larner, followed by a successful pass attempt, bringing the score to 31–14. The game concluded with Michigan Tech securing the victory.
Bemidji State started the fourth quarter with a successful 14-yard pass from
Mack Molander to Peterson, setting up a drive that culminated in a 29-yard field goal by Nadler, narrowing the deficit. Following a fumble recovery by
Joey Funderburk, the Beavers capitalized with a 1-yard touchdown run by Carver, further closing the gap against Michigan Tech. In the final minutes, McAninch connected with Peterson for a 26-yard touchdown pass, bringing Bemidji State within two points. Despite this late surge, Michigan Tech maintained its lead, ending the game at 31–29.
Carver rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns. Peterson contributed with six receptions for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Guerra led the receivers with 119 yards on three catches. On defense,
Ray Iglesias recorded nine tackles.
Bemidji State will host Southwest Minnesota State University in a conference matchup on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. in Bemidji, Minn.
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).
