Game Notes
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The University of Minnesota Crookston will host Bemidji State University Saturday in the 10th edition of the "Battle for the Hub Cap" game and also for UMC's homecoming at 1 p.m. at Ed Widseth Field in Crookston, Minn. The Golden Eagles come into the game with an 0-4 mark while BSU is 2-2 on the season.
On Tap For This Weekend
Saturday, Oct. 5 • 1 p.m. • Ed Widseth Field • Homecoming
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Golden Eagle Quick Hits
Battle For The Hub Cap
• Saturday will mark the 10th edition of the "Battle for the Hub Cap" trophy which signifies the proximity between the University of Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State University, located just 88 miles from each other on U.S. Highway 2. The Beavers leads the "Hub Cap" series 9-0
dating back to 2004. However the two schools have played every season for the last 16 years dating back to 1998, the first meeting between the two schools in which UMC defeated BSU 34-30. The Golden Eagles will look to end their 15-game losing streak against the Beavers Saturday.
Forcing Turnovers
• The University of Minnesota Crookston defense has had their struggles this year but they have done a great job of turning over opposing teams. Between defense and special teams, UMC ranks 36th in the nation for turnovers gained with 12 turnovers forced this season. In addition, the Golden Eagles have recovered eight fumbles this year which is currently good for third among all NCAA Division II schools. The Golden Eagles have eight different players who have recovered fumbles this year.
Punt Return Defense
• The Golden Eagles have the 13th-best punt return defense squad in the country coming into Saturday. UMC has limited opponents to 1.2 yards per punt return this year. Part of the reason the punt squad has been so strong has been the improvement of
Tyler Hansen (Jr., DB/P, Morris Minn./Natural Resources), who took over punting duties early this season. Hansen had a career-long 73 yard punt, which placed fourth all-time in school history, last weekend. Hansen is averaging 37.9 yards per punt which four punts inside the 20 and three punts over 50 yards.
Freshman Contributors
• The Golden Eagles have several talented freshmen on their team this year who have continued to make progress through their first years at UMC. The most important one has been
Kyle Larson (QB, Clayton, Wis./Health Sciences), who is 53-of-102 for 573 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. Three of his top targets this season have also been freshman with
Justin Tago Su'e (WR, Ewa Beach, Hawai'i/Environmental Science) leading the way with 14 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. In addition,
Keoni Piceno (WR, Wahiawa, Hawai'i/Sports and Rec Management) has five grabs for 107 yards and two touchdowns while
Forrest Dunivin (WR, Las Flores, Calif./Aviation) has five receptions for 79 yards. In addition, other freshmen like
Drew McDurmin (OL, Aiea, Hawai'i/Managment),
Tyman Hayashi (OL, Kalihi, Hawai'i/Environmental Science),
John Mitzel (OL, Aliso Viejo, Calif./Management),
Josh Hughes (OL, Weeki Wachee, Fla./Natural Resources), Mike Maw (Fr., K, White Bear Lake, Minn./Accounting) and
Trent Galkoski (Fr., DB/La Mesa, Calif./Criminal Justice) have been key contributors for UMC this season.
Kellum Makes Mark on Defense
•Â
Tevin Kellum (Sr., DB/Detroit, Mich./Criminal Justice) had 15 tackles with 12 solo tackles last weekend against Sioux Falls, which placed second all-time to Jason Lindquist, who had 14 against Jamestown College in 1997. It tied teammate
Freedom McCullough's mark set in 2011.
Golden Eagles By The Numbers
73 - Length of
Tyler Hansen's punt last weekend against Sioux Falls, which was the fourth longest punt in school history.
8 - Number of fumbles recovered this season by the Golden Eagles which ranks third in the nation
309 - Number of rushing yards needed by
Keith McBride to surpass Derrick Sanders for fourth all-time on the all-time rushing list. McBride currently places fifth.
12 - Number of solo tackles for
Tevin Kellum against Sioux Falls, which were the second-most all-time in a single game by a UMC player.
573Â - Passing yards for freshman
Kyle Larson through first four career starts
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0-9 - Record for UMC in "Battle for Hub Cap" game against Bemidji State
Bemidji State Preview
Bemidji State University comes into Saturday's game with a 2-2 overall mark. Their two wins have been entertaining ones as they had come-from-behind win to defeat Winona State University 34-27 in the opening game of the seaso. Last weekend BSU used a late field goal from Zach Pulkinen to defeat Southwest Minnesota State University 41-40 and continue their homecoming tradition of jumping into Lake Bemidji.
BSU is coached by Jeff Tesch, who has been a staple on the sidelines of the Beavers as he enters his 18th season leading the squad. The Beaver offense is a new unit in 2013 as they returned just one reception from last year and very little offensive production overall. At quarterback Bemidji State has been amid a
quarterback controversy as both freshman Ryan Shields and senior Alex Hass have delivered wins for the Beavers. Shields is 23-of-59 for 199 yards passing with three touchdowns and one interception while Hass is 23-of-49 for 309 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Hass got the nod last weekend for BSU. The Beavers have been led by their running game which comes in averaging 109 yards per game. Avery Walker leads the way with 75 carries for 342 yards and two touchdowns. In the passing game, freshman Josh Malone has caught 13 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown this season.
Defensively, the Beavers have always been a very steady team and continue to be so as they are giving up 364 yards per game this season and have forced six turnovers this season. Connor Quinn leads the BSU defense with 43 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks.
