BEMIDJI, Minn. – Winners of two in a row for the first time this season, Winona State travels to Bemidji State University to face a Beaver team that is contending for the NSIC North crown. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.
The Warriors rushed the ball with ease in last week's Homecoming blowout and will look to feature a balanced attack against a Beaver defense that has held its opponents to 10 points of fewer three times this season. On the other side of the ball, the Warrior defense has allowed three points of fewer on two occasions. The two teams have split their last four meetings with WSU owning wins in two straight.
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SCOUTING BEMIDJI: The Beavers (5-1), like the Warriors, have won two straight games entering Saturday. Bemidji State ranks fifth in the NSIC in scoring offense (27.5 ppg) and seventh in scoring defense (18.3). Winona State's scoring defense (17.2) ranks fifth. The Beaver offense ranks fourth in rushing yards/game (178), total offensive yards/game (373.3) and touchdowns (22). In addition to its strong running game, the offensive line keeps the QB upright and has allowed the fewest sacks in the league (4). Despite that protection, the Beavers have been banged up and had four different quarterbacks appear under center this year. Last week, Emmett Enright threw for 318 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead BSU's comeback. Jalen Frye ranks fourth in the NSIC in rushing yards/game (80.5) and has scored five touchdowns on the ground.
GUT CHECK: Both the Beavers and Warriors have had close calls over the last two weeks. Prior to Winona State's 49-3 drubbing of Minot State last week, the Warriors had to come from behind in the fourth quarter for a two-point road win at MSU Moorhead. Likewise, Bemidji State has won its last two games, including one on the road, by a combined two points. The Beavers converted a game-winning two-point conversion as time expired against Augustana two weeks ago, and scored 25-unaswered fourth quarter points at SMSU last week for the win.
RED ALERT: With two of the best defenses in the league locking up, points should be at a premium on Saturday, making every scoring opportunity crucial. Winona State has struggled to cross the goal line when entering the red zone this season, but showed improvement last week, pushing the ball across five times in six visits. Prior to last week, WSU had just four TDs in 18 trips. The Warriors' red zone ability will be put to the ultimate test against a Beaver team that ranks first in Division II in red zone defense. Bemidji State has allowed its opponent into the red zone just 12 times and yielded only two scores (both on the ground) while surrendering just three field goals.
RIPE FOR THE PICKING: Fall has officially arrived in Minnesota, which means there is plenty of low-hanging fruit for the taking – something both the Beaver and Warrior defenders have feasted on this season. Both teams have recorded 10 interceptions on the year (14 total takeaways), ranking second in the league. Cam Gavin, Romario Gayle and Joe Perhats have snagged two apiece for WSU while Michael Junker leads BSU with three.
PEAKS & VALLEYS: After a pair of rocky outings early this season, junior signal caller Owen Burke has returned to his accurate self over the last two weeks. The Lakewood, Colorado native has thrown three touchdowns with just one interception over the Warriors' two recent wins after tossing three picks in a loss at Mankato. Burke began the year with a career performance of 313 yards and three scores vs. Wayne State. Despite a few hiccups, Burke still ranks third in the league in passing yards/game (187.3), fourth in passing TDs (8) and fifth in completion percentage (57.8%).
ADRENALINE RUSH: Winona State continues to find team success when the ground game is clicking. Last week, the Warriors rushed for a season-best 280 yards and four TDs. Sam Santiago-Lloyd once again led the ground attack with 98 yards and two TDs. Landon Jacobson chipped in 55 yards and a pair of TDs as well, while Jonny Chamberlain and Miguel Benjamin combined for an additional 105 rushing yards. Dating back to the 2016 campaign, WSU has rushed for at least 90 yards in a game 27 times and posted a 25-2 record in those contests.
