MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead football will hit the road for the first time during the 2024 season as the Dragons head to Duluth, Minn., for a tilt with 19th-ranked Minnesota Duluth on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. from James S. Malosky Stadium.

Live video and stats will be available at msumdragons.com. 

Matchup History...The Bulldogs have dominated much of the recent series history as they enter Saturday having won the last 19 matchups against the Dragons. MSUM last defeated the Bulldogs on October 2, 1999, when the Dragons took home a 20-14 road victory.

300-Yard Strand...Junior quarterback Jack Strand tallied 300 passing yards in the week one loss to Wayne State. Strand's passing yardage total led the NSIC last week and is his 13th game of throwing for 300 yards or more. In 2023, Strand threw for 300 or more yards in all but two contests. The game brought Strand's career total to 6,494 yards, which is 436 yards shy of second all-time in school history (Jake Hodge - 6,929).

Rook Has A Leg...Freshman kicker Max Watson earned the starting kicking duties for MSUM against Wayne State last weekend. Watson showcased how effective he can be in his first collegiate game as well, knocking in a 32-yard field goal, the first of his career. The Fargo, N.D., product also connected on both his extra point attempts and racked up 210 yards on kickoffs for MSUM.

Preseason Buzz... MSUM was found throughout numerous preseason watch lists and previews. Quarterback Jack Strand was voted the NSIC's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year while linebacker Josiah Behm was tabbed as a 'player to watch'. Strand and wide receiver Gage Florence were found on D2Football.Com's Elite 100 Watch List. Lastly, junior kicker Sebastian Amorrortu was named to the Fred Mitchell Award Kickoff Watch List, which honors excellent placekickers throughout the season.

G-Flo Stays Nice...Junior wideout Gage Florence kicked off his 2024 with another stellar performance on the boundaries. Florence caught seven passes for 114 yards, moving his career receptions total to 215. The Sawyer, N.D., native is now 39 receptions shy of tying the MSUM school record. 

Welcome Back Cody...Senior defensive back Cody Sorenson returned to the fray last Thursday after missing much of last season due to a wrist injury. Sorenson occupied one of the safety spots for MSUM and made six total tackles (five solo), including one tackle for loss. The Bismarck, N.D., native also racked up 31 kickoff return yards. 

Big Play BP Rides Again...Junior wide receiver Brady Perryman had the most electrifying play for MSUM in its season-opener, catching a 58-yard touchdown pass that ended in Perryman leaping into the end zone.  In his career, Perryman has an average of 11.9 yards per reception, including a 12.2 yard per catch mark last season alone. Against the Wildcats last Thursday, Perryman averaged 27.3 yards per reception (four catches). 

Let's Talk Bulldogs...Minnesota Duluth offers up one of the most veteran-laden rosters in the NSIC, led by redshirt junior quarterback Kyle Walljasper. The Fond du Lac, Wis., native passed for 1,580 yards and rushed for 1,071 yards in 2023, totaling 39 touchdowns. In UMD's win over Northern Michigan on August 29, Walljasper threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-7 Bulldog win.

Steve Laqua is in his 14th season as MSUM's head football coach.