MOORHEAD, Minn. – A heroic overtime play from
Kelly Johnson helped lift Minnesota State Moorhead football to another ranked victory on Saturday. The Dragons kenneled the 13
th-ranked Bulldogs of Minnesota Duluth in dramatic fashion, 23-20.
The Dragons would look for an early offensive rhythm to open the contest behind the arm of
Drew Huebner. The sophomore connected on a pair of completions to
Kalen Lucas, providing 20 quick yards for MSUM. Huebner would use his legs to pick up another first down on the series before the Bulldog defense tightened up. Moorhead would be forced to punt, but a gem from
Tristan Ulmer would place UMD inside their own 20-yard line.
Jesse Currier's defensive unit would make an immediate splash following the punt. While Minnesota Duluth would drive to their own 40, Moorhead had its own answer. On a quarterback run, Moorhead's own
Reign Battle would jar the ball loose, leaving the ball unattended. An eager
Micah Runion would scoop the ball up at the 42-yard line, dashing 58 yards for the game's first touchdown. The play no doubt set the tone for the game to come.
The Dragon defense would rally again on the ensuing Bulldog possession, forcing a three and out. With Moorhead's offense starting deep in their own territory, Huebner and Lucas would make a quick connection again. From there, senior
Tyson Brandt would rush 42 yards across a trio of plays, placing the Dragons at the UMD 27-yard line.
Owen Wiersma would carry the load from there, getting MSUM to the 10-yard line. Huebner would make quick work of that, finding
Kelly Johnson on a quick slant for another touchdown.
Both teams would trade punts into the second quarter with MSUM leading 14-0. Early in the second frame, Minnesota Duluth would show why they were the 13
th-ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs traveled 85 yards on 15 plays to collect a touchdown, making the score 14-7. That score would hold firm as both defenses would settle throughout the remainder of the half.
The Bulldogs would assume possession to start the second half, but once again, Moorhead's defense was itching to make a play. On a third and 15 play inside MSUM's territory, sophomore
Dean Lempka would chase down Bulldog quarterback Jacob Eggert, forcing a fumble in the process.
Brodie Brunssen would be there to recover the ball to swing momentum right back to the Dragons. Minnesota Duluth would force a punt on the ensuing series, collecting a field goal late in the third quarter. MSUM would lead 14-10 heading into the final 15 minutes.
With Minnesota Duluth driving early in the final frame, MSUM's defense would deliver its third haymaker. The Bulldogs would opt to run a gadget play on fourth down, which resulted in a sack and fumble. With the loss of yardage, Moorhead would take over at the Bulldog 39-yard line. The teams would trade punts from there before the trusty leg of
Max Watson came into play. Watson delivered on a 30-yard try to put MSUM up 17-10 with less than six minutes to play.
The visitors would respond with a quick touchdown to even the contest at 17 points. While both teams had an opportunity to win the contest in regulation, both defenses would hold up. The teams would enter an overtime period tied at 17 points. Minnesota Duluth would possess the ball first with Moorhead's offense making its final stand of the afternoon. The Dragons would hold the Bulldogs to a long field goal attempt that was converted. Moorhead trailed 20-17 with the MSUM offense taking the field.
After a pair of short runs, MSUM would be faced with a third and eight from the 23-yard line. Huebner would get a clean pocket as he searched for receivers downfield. The sophomore looked right and fired a divine sideline throw while a sprinting Johnson dashed up field. The senior Johnson had to fully extend his body, laying out for the near-perfect throw from Huebner. Johnson would stay in bounds, erupting the Dragon faithful. The dramatic play secured a 23-20 victory for Moorhead.
Top Dragons
- Drew Huebner: 18-27, 197 yards, two touchdowns
- Kelly Johnson: Three receptions, 37 yards, two touchdowns
- Reign Battle: Five total tackles, one forced fumble
- Kalen Lucas: 10 receptions, 99 yards
- Jake Schaefer: Six total tackles, one sack
- Micah Runion: One total tackle, 58-yard fumble return
- Gavin Jarchow: Seven total tackles, two pass breakups
- Tyson Brandt: 11 carries, 67 yards
- Evan Miles: Six total tackles, one pass breakup, one hurry
- Tristan Ulmer: Four punts, 42.3 YPP, 3 Inside-20, 51-yard long
Steve d'Eustachio's Stat of the Game
Today's overtime win ended a 12-game home losing streak to Minnesota Duluth. MSUM last defeated the Bulldogs at home on October 15, 1994, in a 17-7 result.
Up Next
MSUM (3-2, 2-2 NSIC) hits the road for an intriguing NSIC matchup with Minot State. Kickoff from Herb Parker Stadium in Minot, N.D., is slated for 2 p.m.
