Upper Iowa came up on the wrong side of a 28-6 decision at the University of Minnesota Duluth on Saturday night. The Peacocks had to battle the Bulldogs and a dense fog that rolled in off Lake Superior. The scene was reminiscent of the teams' 2015 meeting in Duluth, Minn. With the loss, UIU moves to 0-3 on the season, while UMD improves to 2-1.
The home team kept their offense on the ground for the most part tallying 287 rushing yards while throwing for an additional 137. UMD picked up 21 first downs in the game including 15 on rushes. While the Bulldog offense was winning at the line, their defense matched the offensive lines production. Upper Iowa was held to 25 yards rushing in the game and 162 yards passing. By succeeding on the ground, Minnesota Duluth converted eight of their 17 third-down plays, while Upper Iowa picked up first downs on three of their 15 chances on third down.
Trailing 7-0 as the first quarter ended, the Peacocks took the ball 80 yards highlighted by a pair of big receptions that covered more than 20 yards each. Upper Iowa's
Willy Camacho was able to find the endzone on the first play of the second quarter on a 15-yard touchdown run. UIU's point after attempt failed though and UIU still trailed 7-6. The home team controlled play over the remainder of the second quarter taking a 21-6 lead into the locker rooms at halftime. UMD scored the only points of the second half on a scoring run in the early stages of the fourth quarter.
Baxter Bohr had a big game from his defensive end position recording 10 tackles with 2.5 sacks and one more for loss and a forced and recovered fumble.
Cejai Parrish and
Collin Jones each wrapped up eight tackles, and
John Butsch was credited with seven stops.
Zacarius Murray logged one interception that came in the end zone (pictured – courtesy of Dave Harwig) and stopped a threatening drive for the home team.
Upper Iowa will host the Beavers of Bemidji State University on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Harms-Eischeid Stadium in Fayette. Kickoff for the NSIC cross division showdown is set for 3 p.m.
