October 31, 1998

NSU's offense began and ended Saturday's game with what is seemingly becoming part of Northern State's bread and butter this season -- just making big plays. Sandwiched in between was an entertaining, evenly-played football game that couldn't be decided in four quarters. But the Wolves made enough plays in overtime to come out on top 27-20 and continue their now five-game winning streak.

It was another record-setting day for sophomore running back Tyrone Morgan, who broke NSU's single-game rushing record against Minnesota-Duluth last weekend. The Wichita Falls, Texas, native took NSU's first play from scrimmage and exploded for 52 yards down to the SSU 4-yard line. That rush broke NSU's single-season rushing record, formerly held by Dave Pastian (1,197 yards in 1971). Morgan would finish the job three plays later to put NSU up 7-0 early. He finished the day with 171 yards on 37 carries.

But NSU's defense, which is ranked 20th in the nation, wouldn't be outdone on the big play front. Junior middle linebacker Naki Angilau (Kearns, Utah) intercepted a bullet pass and point-blank range and returned it 14 yards -- dragging makeshift defenders the last five -- for a defensive touchdown.

After a 34-yard field goal by junior Pete Peterson (Aberdeen, S.D.) as the half expired put NSU up 17-0, it looked as if the Wolves would coast the rest of the way in their home finale'.

But SSU didn't let that happen, as Russ Barclay's 84-yard kickoff return to open the second half put the Mustangs on the board and turned the game's momentum exactly 180 degrees. The Mustangs would hold NSU to a field goal while scoring 13 more points of their own to knot the score at 20-20 at the end of regulation.

In overtime, each team would get a crack at the end zone by starting a drive from the opponent's 25. NSU's offense got the first chance to strike, and capitalized. Four consecutive rushes by Morgan and another by junior quarterback Tom Ramerth (Minneapolis, Minn.) put the Wolves at the 4-yard line. That set up what would be the game-winning touchdown. On third-and-goal, Ramerth connected with 6-5 senior wideout Ryan Mors (Huron, S.D.) on the left side of the end zone. A huge play not only from the game standpoint, but also for a passing offense which has struggled of late.

NSU's touchdown meant SSU had to hit paydirt on their possession from NSU's 25. But NSU's defense, again not to be outdone, slammed the door shut, yielding only two yards on a four-and-out possession to end the game.