Box Score

Box Score

The Beavers of Bemidji State came into the game at Eischeid Stadium today with the 25th best defense in the country and they backed it up by controlling the Peacock offense.  The Beaver defense combined with a powerful BSU rushing attack led the visitors to a 48-7 win over Upper Iowa.  After the loss, the Peacocks are now 2-3 overall and 1-3 in NSIC games, while BSU improves to 4-1 on the season and 3-1 in conference.

Bemidji State opened the game with a 65-yard touchdown run on the game's first play from scrimmage by Dustin Kroeplin, his first of three rushing touchdowns on the day.    Kroeplin added a 2-yard score late in the first quarter and added a 3-yard run prior to halftime.  He amassed 153 yards on the ground to compliment his three trips to the endzone.

The opening play score marks the second time in the last three weeks that a score of that kind has occured in an Upper Iowa game.  Two weeks ago, Tony Leggett scooped up a fumble on the game's first play for a touchdown against MSU Moorhead.

Upper iowa trailed 28-0 early in the second quarter when Cole Jaeschke found Jessie Hubbard down the visitor sideline for a 75-yard reception for a touchdown.  After Steven Sandoval hit the extra point to remain perfect on the season, the Peacocks trailed 28-7. 

The home team would not mark the scoreboard again though as Bemidji State added two more touchdowns in the second half for a 42-7 halftime lead.  Bemidji State tacked on a pair of field goals in the second half to push the final score to 48-7.

Jaeschke had a tough day against the Beavers throwing for 180 yards on 9 completions with a touchdown, but did thrown three interceptions.  Hubbard caught 3 passes for 104 yards and a score, while Jordan Otdoerfer rushed for 36 yards on 11 carries.  Upper Iowa's offense only had the ball for 19:43 of the game, while Bemidji State's 40:17 of possession kept the thin UIU defense on the field far too long.

Linebackers Ethan Douglas, Tony Leggett and Casey Popenfoose led the team in tackles with 14, 12 and 11, respectively. 

Upper Iowa will head north to face the Golden Eagles of Minnesota, Crookston next Saturday, Oct. 8.  The Peacocks and Golden Eagles are slated for a 1 p.m. kickoff.