NSU Gives Up 22-25 Loss To Beavers

ABERDEEN, SD – A kickoff returned 100 yards for a Beaver touchdown was the difference in the fourth quarter and the game, as BSU went on for a 25-22 win over Northern State Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day surrounded by homecoming festivities at Swisher Field and, although the home team failed to produce a win, the game was exciting and worth the cost of admission.

There were just nine points scored in the first half, a BSU safety in the first series following kickoff, and a 16-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that put BSU on top 9-0. The Wolves scored nine points of their own in the third quarter to tie the game at 9-9. The run was highlighted by an Una Latu interception that was returned 95 yards for the score, tying the second longest interception return in NSU history.

The fourth quarter was the highlight of the game, with 29 total points put on the scoreboard. The Wolves took the lead in the game early in the quarter with a 22 yard touchdown pass from Jimmie Griffin to Turner Johnson, only to be tied back up on BSU's following possession, a six yard TD pass from Cory Wardrope to Dan Nagengast. Both teams had their point-after kick blocked, resulting in a 15-15 tangle.

The lead changed again at the 4:20 mark when Johnson and Griffin connected again, this time for a 27-yard scoring play. The Wolves took a 22-18 lead, although the momentum would be short-lived, as BSU made the play of the day on the resulting kickoff.

Jonathan Hawks took the ball directly at the NSU goal line and took off. He was provided blocks as he headed up the right side of the field. He made it past kicker Shierholt and was home free, putting the Beavers up for the remainder of the game.

Northern had 291 total yards in the game, all of which came from the air and the large majority of which came in the second half. Griffin connected on 24 of 51 passes and had two interceptions. Turner Johnson was NSU's top receiver with six catches for 104 yards, the only receiver in the game to surpase the century mark in receiving. Rudy Jones led the team on defense with eight tackles, followed by Una Latu with seven tackles, an interception, and one pass break-up.

The Beavers once again split their yardage nearly in half between rushing and passing. They had 140 yards on the ground and 138 yards in the air for a cumulative 278 yards. Josh Williams was BSU's main quarterback, completing 8-of-19 passes for 125 yards. Williams also had both of the Beavers' interceptions. Eurice Watson bullied NSU's defense, netting 119 rushing yards on the day.

The loss drops NSU's record back below the .500 level, settling it at 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the NSIC. Bemidji State improves to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the league. The Wolves will make the trip to Wayne State next weekend for a 1:00 pm matchup with the Wildcats before returning home on October 14 against Winona State.

Game photos

 

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