MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead came away with its second ranked victory of the 2024 season on Saturday afternoon as the Dragons played host to 18th-ranked Augustana. A late field goal from freshman Max Watson was the difference as MSUM defeated the Vikings, 43-41. 

In the victory, junior quarterback Jack Strand became the all-time passing yards leader in MSU Moorhead history. Strand accomplishes the record in just his 24th game played for the Dragons. 

MSUM would quickly scoop up the game's momentum in the early stages as senior Cody Sorenson would drop back and intercept a pass from Augustana quarterback Gunnar Hensley on the first offensive snap for the Vikings. MSUM would be unable to do anything with the play, however, as they would punt on their initial drive. The first score of the game did not come until a few drives later as Max Watson would nail a 45-yard field goal. This came following a Dragon drive that went for eight plays and 53 yards. Augustana would attempt a field goal on the ensuing possession with the kick missing right, keeping MSUM in front, 3-0. 

The Dragons would take the momentum and put together a solid touchdown drive that spanned seven plays and 71 yards. Madden Thorson would get open on a nice pick route with Strand finding the sophomore for six points. Early in the second quarter, MSUM led 10-0. However, Augustana would match the Dragons on the next possession, quickly scoring on one play that spanned 75 yards. The Viking drive only took 11 seconds off the game clock .The shootout would proceed from there as the Dragons put together another scoring drive, this time traveling 91 yards on 11 plays. Strand would link up with four different receivers in the stretch with the drive ending after a lovely throw and catch from Brady Perryman. The junior scooted by his marker with Strand delivering a perfect pass to the end zone. 

Augustana would come back and score again on the next possession as part of a six-play drive that went for 75 yards. Another Viking touchdown would make the score 17-14 with the Vikings forcing a Dragon punt to get the ball back. Augustana would take its first lead of the game on the next drive, scoring after a 40-yard drive to lead 21-17. As time waned in the first half, MSUM would again put together a great drive of 75 yards in just nine plays. To cap the sequence, Strand would locate Carson Elbert on a pretty back shoulder throw that Elbert would reel in. With just under a minute remaining in the first half, MSUM led 24-21, but Augie would get into field goal range to even the score at 24 points before the break. 

MSUM would handle the opening kickoff and drive again to start the second half. The Dragons would again travel 75 yards on seven plays with Strand finding Thorson for the second time on a short pass play. The score would give the Dragons another advantage at 31-24. Augustana would respond with some big plays on their first drive out of the locker room to score and tie the game again (31-31). Neither team would score before the fourth quarter began as MSUM was driving. To open the final frame, Watson would connect on a 41-yard field goal that again gave MSUM a three-point lead. 

A monster kickoff return for the Vikings positioned them in the red zone to start the next drive. Augie only needed one play to take a 38-34 lead with just under 14 minutes to go in the game. Augustana would take full control following a Strand interception on the ensuing Dragon drive. Luckily for MSUM, the Dragons would hold firm on defense, only allowing a field goal to the Vikings after the turnover. With under 10 minutes to play, Augie led 41-34. 

Strand would then guide the Dragons down the field in search of the equalizing score, moving MSUM 65 yards on 11 plays with time ticking away. The quarterback would take a hard hit on a third down run, but would get the Dragons to the one-yard line in the process. Strand would jump up after the harsh contact and signal a first down to assure the fans of his good health. Strand would find Luke Imdieke a few plays later for his fifth touchdown pass of the game. Steve Laqua would proceed to go for two with Strand finding Perryman in the back of the end zone. However, Perryman was called for offensive pass interference which negated the play and forced MSUM into an extra-point try. Watson would miss the ensuing kick with Augie still leading 41-40. 

In need of a big defensive effort, MSUM would show up after only two plays on the ensuing Augie drive. Jack Bungarden would read a harsh throw from Hensley, picking it off and positioning the Dragons at the Augustana 26-yard line. The Dragon offense would whittle the time down, eventually opting for a field goal attempt from Watson with just over a minute to play. The freshman was true from 40 yards, giving MSUM the lead again, 43-41. 

With one final chance, Augustana would drive the ball down to their own 46-yard line. On a third and one play, Hensley would drop back and toss up a ball that found the hands of Sorenson once again. The senior's ballhawking tendencies put the game on ice for MSUM and solidified a wild 43-41 victory. 

Top Dragons

• Jack Strand: 45-67, 475 yards, five touchdowns
• Cody Sorenson: Nine tackles (six solo), two interceptions
• Carson Elbert: Nine catches, 135 yards, one touchdown
• Josiah Behm: Seven tackles, one tackle for loss
• Gage Florence: 12 catches, 102 yards
• Jack Bungarden: Five tackles, one interception, one pass breakup
• Brady Perryman: Seven catches, 92 yards, one touchdown
• Madden Thorson: Six catches, 66 yards, two touchdowns

Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game

The last time the Dragons hit three field goals and won a game at home came on October 25, 2008, when Logan Johnson converted a trio of field goals against Northern State. MSUM won the game, 29-26. 

Up Next

MSUM (2-2, 2-1 NSIC) is on the road next weekend for a Saturday bout with Winona State. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.