MOORHEAD, Minn. – MSU Moorhead football kicked off the 2024 athletic year on Thursday evening and were met with a rather harsh reality in the form of the Wayne State College Wildcats. The visiting team controlled much of the contest and soured MSUM's night, 44-17
 
Both offenses would stall on their opening drives as the Dragons won the coin toss and elected to defer. MSUM's defense was able to force a quick three and out to get the Dragon offense on the field for the first time in 2024. While quarterback Jack Strand opened the game with a 14-yard dish to Carson Elbert, MSUM stalled from there as they would turn the ball over on downs at Wayne State's 30-yard line. The teams would again trade punts on the ensuing two drives as both defenses began to settle in a bit.

After forcing a third Wildcat punt, the Dragon offense would put together a drive that brought them down to the 35-yard line of Wayne State. However, Strand would be intercepted with 5:59 left in the first quarter to provide Wayne State the momentum. The Wildcats would capitalize, driving 71 yards on seven plays, culminating in a five-yard touchdown pass from veteran quarterback Nick Bohn. Late in the first frame, Wayne State led 7-0 with that score holding firm through one quarter. 

MSUM's offense would run dry again to begin the second quarter as the Wildcats continued to get pressure on Strand, forcing some tough throws. Following a Dragon punt, Wayne State would again cobble together a superb drive. The Wildcats scampered 72 yards on 11 plays, consuming nearly six minutes of game clock. The drive once again ended in a touchdown pass from Bohn to the speedy Latravious Boyd. With just over nine minutes left in the half, the Wildcats led 14-0. 

At long last, MSUM's offense showed some signs of life on the ensuing drive thanks to an 11-play, 63- yard drive. Strand would find Gage Florence and Fynn Ridgeway on the drive to help push the Dragons to the Wayne State 12-yard line. Wayne State would force a field goal attempt with true freshman Max Watson nailing a 32-yard three-pointer to cut the Wildcat lead to 14-3. The momentum would be only momentary for MSUM as Wildcat wide receiver Jadon Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for another Wayne State score. With just under six minutes to play, Wayne State led 21-3. 

The next drive would see MSUM score its first touchdown of the contest behind a eight-play, 75-yard drive that spanned just over three minutes. Strand would connect with Ridgeway again for a 15-yard touchdown score. With time waning in the first half, Wayne State still led 21-10 with the Wildcats tacking on a field goal before the break. At the half, Wayne State led 24-10. 

With MSUM receiving the second half kickoff, Wayne State's defense would impose themselves and force a quick punt out of the break. From there, Wayne State would chew up over four minutes of game clock, getting down to the Dragon 18-yard line. The Wildcats would convert another field goal to lead 27-10. MSUM's big play offense would be on display on the next drive with the Dragons needing a score. Strand would orchestrate a four-play drive which wrapped in him finding Brady Perryman for a 58-yard touchdown pass. Perryman would dance around a group of Wildcat defenders en route to the endzone, finishing the play with a signature dive into the proverbial 'red sea'. 

Throughout the remainder of the third quarter, the teams would trade punts with Wayne State leading 27-17 heading into the final 15 minutes. Early in the final frame, Wayne State would drain a 44-yard field goal to stretch the lead to 30-17. Things continued to go Wayne State's way as Strand was once again picked off by talented linebacker Dexter Larsen. The senior would jump the pass and return it 20 yards for another Wildcat touchdown. Not even one minute into the fourth quarter, Wayne State now led 37-17. MSUM would be forced to punt again on their ensuing drive with Wayne State further cementing their dominance. Bohn would link up with Kendrick Watkins-Hogue on the ensuing Wildcat drive for a 58-yard touchdown pass. 

Leading 44-17, Wayne State's defense would let up slightly on the next Dragon drive as MSUM made it down to the Wayne State 27-yard line. Facing fourth and 10, MSUM would be forced to go for it needing a score. The Wildcat defense did their job, stopping an end zone throw from Strand to preserve their lead. Down the stretch, the teams would again trade punts with Wayne State milking a good chunk of game clock in the process. Neither team would score throughout the remainder of the game with Wayne State collecting their second win of the season, 44-17. 
 
Top Dragons

• Jack Strand: 21-46, 300 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions
• Jack Bungarden: Nine tackles, .5 tackle for loss
• Gage Florence: Seven receptions, 114 yards
• Josiah Behm: Eight tackles
• Brady Perryman: Four receptions, 109 yards, one touchdown
• Fynn Ridgeway: Seven carries, 33 yards, four receptions, 36 yards, one touchdown

 
Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game
 
Tonight's game marked the third time in history the Dragons have opened a season at home against Wayne State. The Dragons beat the Wildcats 41-24 on September 1, 2016, and fell 49-6 on September 1, 2012.
 
Up Next
 
MSUM (0-1, 0-1 NSIC) begins a two-game road swing which starts next Saturday in a conference matchup with Minnesota Duluth. Kickoff from Malosky Stadium is scheduled for 2 p.m.