SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Minnesota Crookston football team fell 34-0 to No. 7 University of Sioux Falls Sat., Sept. 23 during a twilight tilt at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls, S.D. Minnesota Crookston's defense limited the Cougars to their second-lowest point output of the season, but the offense would be unable to capitalize in opposing territory in Saturday's loss.

Minnesota Crookston falls to 0-4 on the season as they completed play in the NSIC South division. Sioux Falls improved to an unblemished 4-0 mark. Saturday's game started 30 minutes late due to a lightning delay.

The Sioux Falls defense, ranked second nationally in yards allowed, controlled the game as they limited the Minnesota Crookston offense to just 154 yards. The Golden Eagle defense would come up with big stops on the day but would allow 483 yards to the USF offense. It was the best second lowest offensive output allowed by the Minnesota Crookston defense as they continue to show improvement.

Minnesota Crookston looked to back-up quarterback Jeremy Neuman (R-Fr., QB, Andover, Minn.), who was called upon due to injury. Joseph Nava (R-Fr., QB, San Antonio, Texas) took the first snap before exiting due to injury. Neuman was 11-of-28 for 126 yards with one interception on the game. His top target was Adam Connette (Sr., WR, Corona, Calif.), who had five catches for 41 yards. Lincoln Tappe (Jr., WR, Aiea, Hawaii) was the big play receiver for the game, as he had three catches for 62 yards for an average of 20.7 yards per catch. Nathan Coy (Fr., WR, Sun Prairie, Wis.) notched three grabs for 23 yards.

The Golden Eagle run game continued to struggle as they went up against the nation's top run defense. Kevin Evans (Jr., RB, Groveland, Fla.) rushed 24 times for 42 yards.

Minnesota Crookston looked to Will Cole (Jr., DB, Compton, Calif.) with 10 tackles with a half tackle for loss Trevor Long, Jr. (R-So., DB, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) and Will Cross (R-So., LB, Turtle Lake, Wis.) also added 10 tackles. The Golden Eagles added a sack from Austin Howard (Sr., DL, New Albany, Miss.) and half sacks from Cross and LaDerek McCray (Jr., LB, McComb, Miss.).

Sioux Falls looked to running back Max Mickey to lead the way. He rushed for 180 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown. Jason Towns chipped in 101 yards on eight carries with one touchdown. The Cougars utilized two quarterbacks as Ian Fieber was 7-of-10 for 95 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game late in the first half. Matthew Young was 11-of-17 for 92 yards on the game.

The top receiver for USF was Nicholas Stanke with five catches for 58 yards.

The Sioux Falls defense looked to Ayinde Warren with seven tackles and an interception. Kyle Campiotti and Dennis Gardeck added five tackles. Campiotti, Steven McKee and Brody Grantham all picked up sacks.

Sioux Falls got out to a 7-0 lead as Mickey completed a seven play, 82-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run. Mickey rushed five times for 33 yards in the drive.

The Cougars added to their lead later in the first quarter when Fieber connected with Michael Maxwell for a 20-yard strike to put Sioux Falls ahead 14-0.

Sioux Falls drove down to Minnesota Crookston 17 later in the first quarter. However, the Golden Eagles came up with a big stop as Logan Huso (So., DL, Eagan, Minn.) got a clutch tackle shutting down Winston Maxwell on the fourth down run.

The Golden Eagles stopped the Cougars again to open the second quarter as McCray and Cross had a crucial sack on third down to force a Stuart Vanden Heuvel punt.

However, USF would add to their lead as Jason Towns returned a punt 66 yards to pay dirt to extend their lead to 21-0.

Minnesota Crookston moved the ball into Sioux Falls territory in the second quarter led by a 31-yard pass from Neuman to Tappe. However, the drive stalled out at the USF 39.

The Golden Eagles were able to move the ball again toward the end of the second quarter led by a 26-yard pass from Neuman to Tappe. Minnesota Crookston was again unable to get points out of the drive as they turned the ball over on downs.

The Cougars went into the break up 21-0 on the Golden Eagles. Minnesota Crookston held the Sioux Falls offense to 247 yards of offense in the first half, but were only able to notch 108 yards of offense, including just 12 on the ground. Minnesota Crookston looked to Tappe with two catches for 57 yards.

Sioux Falls was led by 135 yards on 16 carries by Mickey, who also had a touchdown. Fieber was 7-of-10 for 95 yards to lead the passing game for the Cougars.

Sioux Falls gained momentum early in the third quarter when Towns used a 41-yard rushing touchdown to push the lead to 28-0.

Minnesota Crookston responded with a great drive that saw them get the ball into the red zone to the Sioux Falls seven. However, the Golden Eagle offense would again come up empty as the score remained at 28-0 in favor of the Cougars. The drive was led by a 15-yard rush by Neuman.

The Golden Eagle defense came up with a stop in the early fourth quarter as they forced a 22-yard field goal by Vanden Heuvel. The three points pushed the USF lead to 31-0.

Minnesota Crookston's defense again came up big in the red zone as they picked up their fourth stop with their backs against the wall, forcing another Vanden Heuvel field goal. His first attempt was blocked but was negated by an offside penalty. He connected on his second try, this time from 20 yards out, to extend the lead to 34-0.

The Golden Eagles also got a strong day from Stephen Day (R-Jr., K/P, Eveleth, Minn.), who had 10 punts for a 44.7 yard average.

Minnesota Crookston will return to Ed Widseth Field for their homecoming game Sat., Sept. 30 against NSIC North rival Bemidji State University. The game will mark the 2017 edition of the "Hub Cap Game", signifying the 88 miles of U.S. Highway 2 that separate Crookston and Bemidji.