Upper Iowa scored 27 points in the fourth quarter to rally from a ten-point deficit and win 47-30 over Bemidji State University.  The win marks the first time that UIU has started 3-0 since the 1990 season and the team's first victory over BSU.  The Peacocks had lost the previous five meetings.  A 20-0 lead looked like it might not be enough for the home team as the Beavers scored 30 unanswered points taking a 30-20 lead into the final frame, but for the second time in as many home games, UIU erupted in the fourth quarter to rally and earn the victory.

Just 82 seconds into the game, Cole Jaeschke found Shay Gutman on a short out which Gutman turned upfield and raced to the pylon for a 62-yard touchdown a 7-0 lead for the home team.  Jaeschke capped off the team's third drive with a two-yard quarterback keeper into the endzone to put the Peacocks ahead 13-0 after the extra point attempt missed.  

Bemidji State blocked a punt near the end of the first quarter and drove down to the goal line, but the UIU defense made a stand and forced a turnover on downs at the one-yard line.  After running for no gain on his first attempt, Smith took the handoff from Jaeschke, shedded one would-be tackler and sprinted 99 yards to paydirt.  The scoring run was historical as Smith tied the all-time mark for career touchdowns (34) and recorded the longest run from scrimmage in program history; the previous record was 95 yards (twice).  UIU moved ahead 20-0 with 11:32 to play in the second quarter.

The Beavers found their stride over the remainder of the half though, scoring three straight touchdowns to close out the quarter.  After Ryan Shields found Blake Holder on a 38-yard pass to break the seal, Jordan Hein came in and scored on a pair of runs from 15 and 1 yards out to tie the score at 20-20 with 12 seconds left on the clock.  It looked as if the Beavers would head to the locker rooms with a 21-20 lead, but Chayz Holt came up with a block on the extra point to keep the game tied at the break.

Midway through the third quarter, Bemidji State scored the only points in the frame when Shields connected with Eric Wunrow for a 21-yard score.  Bemidji State's 23-yard field goal by Kyle Fodness gave the visitors a 30-20 lead less than a minute into the fourth quarter.  

Upper Iowa rallied with four touchdowns in the final quarter starting with Gutman's second long touchdown of the night.  Jaeschke hit the Cedar Rapids native over the middle; Gutman thew a tackler off and then sprinted to the endzone for his second score.  Trailing 30-26 (extra point attempt was blocked), Chayz Holt picked off a Beaver pass and set up UIU's offense at midfield.  Seven plays later, Jaeschke connected with Derek Giesking on a quick slant that the senior took to the house for a 23-yard score giving the Peacocks a 33-30 lead.

Upper Iowa's defense forced another turnover later in the quarter taking over at BSU's six-yard line late in the fourth.  Smith raced over the goal line for a 3-yard score and the UIU all-time record for career touchdowns.  The senior from Brown Deer, Wisconsin quickly added to his record with his 36th overall touchdown and 10th of the season when he threw off tacklers and raced into the endzone for a 34-yard score.

Both teams offenses were very balanced as BSU outgained their hosts 549 to 505.  Bemidji State ran for 221 and threw for 328, while Upper Iowa picked up 246 yards on the ground and 264 yards through the air.  

Smith ran for 247 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Jaeschke threw for 259 yards, 3 scores and added a rushing touchdown as well.  Smith's rushing total marked the seventh time he has gone over 200 yards in a game and was the fifth highest total in UIU history. Gutman recorded 170 yards of receiving and 2 touchdowns on 5 catches, while Lucas Hefty pulled in 7 catches for 37 yards and Giesking had 5 grabs for 49 yards and a score.  Trey MacTaggart gave the team a lift with 6 kick returns for 138 yards including a long of 43 yards.  Alex Wahl was all over the field for the Peacock defense making 19 tackles including 9 solo stops. Cole Stephen and Tyler Fisher both recorded 9 tackles apiece, while Jordan McFadden, Zach Gardner and Isaac Freese combined for 22 tackles.

The Peacocks will travel to St. Cloud State University next Saturday, Sept. 27, for a 6 p.m. game against the Huskies in St. Cloud, Minnesota.