FAYETTE, Iowa — The Minnesota State University Moorhead football team rallied from 14-0 deficit and held off Upper Iowa, 24-21 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action Saturday in Fayette, Iowa.
MSUM is now 1-1 overall and in the league while Upper Iowa fell to 0-2 in both.
"I'm proud of the way the guys battled and finished off a close game with a win," MSUM head coach Steve Laqua said. "I thought the defense played great, especially early. Obviously the special teams play was a big boost as well as Gage's big third-down touchdown. To be able to bounce back with a young team down 14 on the road is something we're proud of and will continue to build on."
Sophomore quarterback Tommy Falk was 18-of-36 passing for 174 yards and two scores for MSUM. Redshirt freshmen receiver Gage Florence had six catches for 72 yards and a score while redshirt freshman Carter Birrenkott had five catches for 54 yards and a score. The touchdown receptions were the first of each receiver's collegiate career.
Sophomore running back Luke Imdieke caught five passes for 45 yards and also rushed for 55 yards on 16 carries.
For the defense Kolby VanderWal returned a fumble for a touchdown. Sophomore linebacker Josiah Behm had 11 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, while sophomore defensive lineman Denver Sheets had nine tackles, including two for loss. Sophomore defensive back Cody Sorenson had an interception.
Junior defensive lineman Hayden Carr and sophomore linebacker Marcus Gulley had sacks for MSUM. The Dragons were outgained 323-271.
MSUM was down 14-0 in the first quarter but Falk connected with Florence on a 66-yard touchdown to get the Dragons on the board at 14-7.
The Dragons tied the game when Vander Wal returned a fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter. That touchdown was part of 24 unanswered points for MSUM.
The Dragons took the lead when sophomore Ryan Riedel connected on a 27-yard field goal I the second quarter. The lead grew to 24-14 when Falk hit Birrenkott for an 8-yard touchdown late in the first half.
MSUM would not score again. Upper Iowa scored in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 24-21, and would have a chance to tie late. However Kyle Seefeldt missed a 34-yard field goal in the final minute that would have tied the game and MSUM held on for the win.
MSUM hosts No. 19 Augustana on Sept. 17 at noon.
