WINONA, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead football endured a harsh day on both sides of the ball as the Dragons fell in NSIC action to Winona State, 33-6.
In the loss,
Gage Florence made seven receptions, making him the all-time leader in receptions in MSUM history.
Jack Strand tossed one touchdown, matching the MSUM career record.
It was clear from the jump that Winona State was keen on holding onto the ball for long drives to keep the potent Dragon offense off the field. This was evident in the Warriors first drive as they would travel 69 yards on 17 plays, taking up nearly nine minutes of the first quarter. With their backs against the wall, MSUM's defense would limit Winona State to a field goal attempt, which was made to put the Warriors up 3-0. MSUM would issue a quick three and out on its first offensive possession late in the first quarter.
The Warriors did not need 17 plays to strike again on the ensuing possession as running back Josh Buri scampered 62 yards for the first touchdown of the game. After a quarter of play, Winona State led 10-0. The Dragons would again punt on their next drive to give the Warriors another chance at scoring. This time, Winona State would again chew up valuable game clock, marching 72 yards on nine plays in just under six minutes. The drive culminated in a 29-yard passing touchdown with the home team missing the ensuing kick. Early in the second quarter, Winona State led 16-0.
MSUM's day would not get much better offensively as the Dragons would punt on the ensuing drive and would be intercepted in the drive after that. The Dragons would make it to Winona State's 15-yard line before the turnover occurred. The Warriors would attack again in light of the turnover as they would move 73 yards on four plays to score again before halftime. At the break, Winona State led 23-0 as they would hold the ball for nearly two-thirds of the half.
The Dragons would receive the opening kickoff in the second half, but Strand would be picked off again after two plays. MSUM would get the ball right back following a Winona State fumble that was recovered by
Ashton Sayre. However, MSUM would punt again thereafter and could not manage a thing offensively throughout the remainder of the third quarter. Winona State would tack on a field goal late in the frame to take a resounding 26-0 lead heading into the final 15 minutes. On the ensuing drive, MSUM would again turn the ball over after two plays following a fumble.
While Winona State would get into field goal range on the next drive, the kick was eventually turned away by Sayre to give the Dragon special teams unit a small victory. MSUM would see its most successful drive of the afternoon following the block as the Dragons moved 80 yards on 10 plays in just over three minutes. Strand would link up with
Luke Imdieke for a four-yard score. Winona State would respond by walking down the field in three plays, culminating in an 11-yard run. The 61 yards gained by the Warriors in the drive all came on the ground. The last drive of the game saw MSUM drive 74 yards on 15 plays, but would not be able to score despite making to the Warrior four-yard line.
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MSUM (2-3, 2-2 NSIC) will now return home for a tilt with nationally-ranked Minnesota State next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon with the game being MSUM's annual Homecoming contest.
