The University of Minnesota Crookston football team will take on No. 24 Winona State University at 1 p.m. Sat., Sept. 20 in their second home game of the season. The Golden Eagles enter the weekend with an 0-2 overall mark after losses to Augustana College and Southwest Minnesota State. Winona State comes into the weekend with a 2-0 overall mark after wins over Northern State University and University of Mary. The Golden Eagles fell to Winona State 58-6 in the opening game of the 2012 season. That was the last meeting between the two universities. 
 

The Golden Eagles have had a more potent offense this year averaging 323.5 yards of offense this year with 215 through the air and 108.5 on the ground. Minnesota Crookston has been led this season by junior quarterback Ben Bucholz, a former basketball player at University of Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State University. Bucholz is 41-of-67 this season with 399 yards passing, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Bucholz has also rushed 27 times for 85 yards. UMC has struggled to get this running backs going with Talo Pascal leading the way 16 carries for 67 yards. Freshman Adam Connette has been a breakout star this year with 13 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown. In addition, Connette threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Dante Jones last week. Tight end Jacob Pinder is off to a strong start with 8 receptions for 82 yards while Jordan Hester has seven receptions for 69 yards.
 

Defensively, linebacker Greg Lofquist has led the way with 18 tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception. Safety Trent Galkoski is also off to a strong start with 16 tackles while Drew Selvestra has 14 tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. UMC will look to get on track defensively as they have given up an average of 545.5 yards per game in the first two games.
 

Winona state is 2-0 overall on the season. The Warriors have been led by quarterback Jack Nelson, who is 55-of-93 for 820 yards passing with eight touchdown passes already this year. Through the air, his top target has been Josh Mikes, who has 20 receptions for 345 yards with five touchdowns. Tight end Dylan Ulferts has 15 receptions for 167 yards while Alan May has 9 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown. Theo Burkett leads the running game with 29 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Winona State is averaging 564.5 yards per game with 410 yards per game through the air.

Defensively, Winona State is giving up 281 yards per game. Linebacker Morgan Weaver has led the way with 17 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Ryan Gerts has 17 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss while defensive back Larry Mbayu has 12 tackles.

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1. Can the Golden Eagles slow down the Winona State passing game and reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Week Jack Nelson, who has 820 yards passing with eight touchdowns through two games? 

2. Can the UMC offense limit turnovers? The Golden Eagles have had five turnovers through the first two games.

3. Can UMC's freshman wide receivers of Adam Connette and Jordan Hester continue to build on the production they had in week two?

4. Will the UMC running backs add to their production from the first two weeks? UMC's running backs are averaging just 59 yards/game through the first two.

5. Can Drew Selvestra and the UMC defensive line put pressure on Jack Nelson? Selvestra had a strong week last weekend with two sacks? Can he follow this up?