MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead football takes aim towards St. Paul this week for a big conference tilt. The Dragons will look to take down the Golden Bears of Concordia, St Paul this Saturday in a game that kicks off at noon.

Live stats and video are available at msumdragons.com. Fans can also listen live on AM 1100/FM 92.3 with Jace Denman and 'Big Game' James McCarty on the call. 
 
The Rundown

The Dragons (2-4, 2-3 NSIC), have faced stiff competition so far this season, including from the Minnesota State Mavericks last weekend in a 24-19 defeat. They will look to bounce back this weekend against a gritty Concordia, St Paul squad. In last week's game against the Mavericks, the Dragons were outgained by the number one offense in the NSIC 401-392, and the Mavericks also won the yards per play battle (5.8) compared to the Dragons (5.1). The Dragons did throw the ball well, but the Mavericks managed to hold Jack Strand to only one passing touchdown in the game. The Dragons will look to get fired up this weekend and get the ball in the endzone at a better clip.

Magnificent Madden

Sophomore wide receiver Madden Thorson had himself a career game last week. He hauled in a crazy 15 receptions for a total of 114 yards against the Mavericks. Thorson has been one of Strand's favorite targets this season, currently second on the team in receptions (47), and yards (425) only behind Gage Florence.

One for the Record Books

Junior quarterback Jack Strand continued his legendary career in a Dragon uniform last weekend, etching his name on another record for the Dragons. Strand threw his 66^th career touchdown pass to Carson Elbert with 1:54 on the clock to take the all-time record, surpassing Demetrius Carr. This season, Strand ranks third in all of NCAA Division II football in passing yards with 2048.

Behm Brilliance

Josiah Behm made his mark last weekend as he so often does leading this Dragon defense. The senior linebacker made a big play for the defense picking off Mavericks quarterback Hayden Ekern in the second quarter. Behm also tallied eight tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. He is second on the team in tackles, racking up 43 takedowns, and he also leads the Dragons in tackles for loss with 5.5.

Over the Ridge and Into the Endzone

Redshirt freshman running back Fynn Ridgeway has been MSUM's main threat running the ball this season with Luke Imdieke taking on more of the receiving back role. Ridgeway found his way into the endzone for the first time this season against the Mavericks last weekend. If the Dragons can get good reps from Ridgeway and the offensive line in short yardage situations, this will greatly benefit them in critical situations like the redzone or on key third and fourth downs.

Air Attack

MSUM continues to lead the NSIC in passing. The Dragon offense slings the rock for an average of 344.7 yards per game, and they complete 35.5 passes per game. Strand and his receivers are one of the most elite units in the conference, and they will bring their show on the road to St. Paul this weekend against the Golden Bears. The Golden Bears are ranked in the top half of pass defenses in the NSIC, allowing 183.7 yards per game through the air. It will be a tough matchup the Dragons will need to win in order to come home with the victory.

Top Dragons

• Jack Strand: 2048 passing yards, 209 completions on 347 attempts, 14 touchdowns
• Gage Florence: 54 receptions, 497 yards, 82.8 yards per game
• Madden Thorson: 47 receptions, 425 yards, two touchdowns
• Brady Perryman: five touchdowns, 27 receptions, 410 yards, 15.2 yards per catch
• Josiah Behm: 43 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one interception
• Cody Sorenson: 30 tackles, two interceptions, one tackle for loss
• Denver Sheets: 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, 22 tackles
• Gavin Jarchow: 46 tackles, four pass break ups, one forced fumble

Scouting Concordia-St Paul

The Golden Bears (2-4, 2-3 NSIC), have an identical record to the Dragons so far this season. Last week saw the Golden Bears drop a game on the road in Sioux Falls in a 35-21 game. Their conference wins have come over Mary and Southwest Minnesota State.

The Golden Bears have scored on average 18 points per game while their defensive unit allows 27 points per game. Their rushing attack is middle of the conference, gaining 166 yards per game on the ground. The passing game is 10^th in the conference, tallying 148 yards per game through the air. They have only thrown for four touchdowns on offense, but their defense has only allowed six passing touchdowns.

A player to watch on the Golden Bears is senior running back Jaylin Richardson. He has rushed for 625 yards on 126 attempts that works out to 5.0 yards per carry. He has reached paydirt six times this season.

The Golden Bears are led by 13th-year head coach Shannon Currier. 

Last Time Around

The Dragons edged out a one-point victory over the Golden Bears in a 21-20 contest in 2022. Jack Strand, in the midst of his freshman season, completed 23 passes on 41 attempts for a total of 292 yards and three touchdowns. Luke Imdieke rushed for 98 yards in the contest as well as catching three passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. Brady Perryman found the endzone in the game as well.

Series History
2022: 21-20 W (In Moorhead)
2021: 24-3 W (In St Paul)
2019: 17-24 L (In St Paul)
2017: 21-20 W (In Moorhead)
2015: 30-28 W (In St Paul)