Live Stats for Saturday's game
Live Video for Saturday's game

The Minnesota State University Moorhead football team takes to the road for the first time in 2012 when it plays at NSIC newcomer Sioux Falls on Saturday at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls, S.D. Game time is 1 p.m.
Game notes can be accessed below, while links to live stats and live video for Saturday's game can be accessed at the links above.
It will mark the first meeting ever between the two schools in football. Sioux Falls, which was a powerhouse at the NAIA level with national championships in 1996, 2006, 2008 and 2009, is making the transition to Division II status. The Cougars are in their second year of the transition to Division II.

For the Dragons, it marks a tough test on the road. USF upset then-No. 16 St. Cloud State, 32-19 in Week 1 and is now receiving votes in the NCAA Division II Coaches Poll.

Last time out…
Wayne State 49, MSUM 6
MSUM fell in its 2012 season opener Saturday, dropping a 49-6 decision to Wayne State (Neb.) in an NSIC contest at Alex Nemzek Field in Moorhead, Minn. The Dragons fell to 0-1 overall and in conference play, while the Wildcats improved to 1-0.

Wayne State used a balanced attack – plus five scoring plays of 25 yards or longer – to down the Dragons. The Wildcats outgained MSM, 587-216.

Safety Shea DeJong, one of four freshmen to start in the Dragon secondary, had a game-high 12 tackles, including one for a loss. Sophomore linebacker Nick Seedorf had nine tackles, while another freshman, cornerback Sheldon Jones, had seven tackles. Junior linebacker Brad Hauer had four tackles, including a sack, while sophomore Andrew Pittman had an interception for the Dragon defense.

Offensively, MSUM was led by sophomore Brandon Schell, who rushed for 81 yards on 20 carries. Redshirt freshman Myles Montplaisir was 10-of-25 passing for 146 yards. Freshman Adam Jiskra had an impressive debut game with four catches for 76 yards.

About the Dragons
MSUM and second-year head coach Steve Laqua will look to break in the win column this week against a solid USF squad. The Dragons will look to build on the positives from their opening game against Wayne State.

Schell's 81-yard game on the ground led the rushing attack, while true freshman Zayne Medhaug rushed for his first career touchdown in his collegiate debut. Montplaisir, after going 5-of-15 in the first half in his first collegiate start, was 5-of-10 in the second half. Jiskra's four catches led the receiving corps, while freshman Tyler Rivard also had two catches, including one for 14 yards. Seven different receivers hauled in catches in the opener.

Another bright spot in the opener for MSUM was its kick return game, as senior Barik Williams had four returns for 107 yards, including a long return of 36 yards. Punter Wes Kramer also placed three punts inside the 20-yard line during the game.

On defense, DeJong's 12 tackles led the way. Sophomore linebacker Nick Seedorff had nine tackles, while freshman corner Sheldon Jones had seven and senior linebacker Tyler Brody had six.

About Sioux Falls
The Cougars and third-year head coach Jed Stugart are off to a 1-0 start after the 32-19 win over St. Cloud State in the opening week.  USF outgained the Huskies 418-320, including 164-97 on the ground. Kristian Porter and Jordan Taylor combined for 138 yards on the ground for the Cougars.

Quarterback Taylor Perkins threw for 254 yards and three scores, with Carrington Hanna catching eight passes for 113 yards and two scores.  On defense, the Cougars recorded four sacks and also had an interception. Linebacker Matt White had nine tackles, including two sacks.

Against St. Cloud, the Cougars built a 29-13 halftime lead and extended the advantage to 32-13 with a third-quarter field goal. St. Cloud State scored in the final minute to cut the gap to 32-19.

USF was picked to finish eighth in the NSIC in the preseason coaches poll.

Stugart, in his third season, has a record of 19-5 at USF.