The Scoop
The University of Minnesota Crookston football program will hit the road for the first time on the 2017 season as they head to Mankato, Minn., to face No. 12 Minnesota State University Sat., Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.
Previewing The Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles are 0-1 on the season after last week's debut against Upper Iowa University. The Golden Eagles showed positive signs against the Peacocks, but two blocked punts for touchdowns and missed tackles led to the 44-7 loss for Minnesota Crookston.
Mark Dufner's squad will look to rebound in a tough game against No. 12 Minnesota State University.
Offensively, the Golden Eagles had positive signs in the running game with the playmaking ability of
Joseph Nava at quarterback and the running ability of
Kevin Evans. Nava rushed for 45 yards, while Evans notched 70 yards against the Peacocks. Evans averaged a remarkable 7.8 yards per carry last weekend. In addition, Nava and co-starter at quarterback
Taylor Spier, will look to get the ball more to their playmakers at wide receiver.
Adam Connette had the lone touchdown against Upper Iowa, but the all-time leading receiver ended the game with just three catches.
Rod Stewart will also look to have an improved game as he was overthrown and had a couple of drops last Thursday.
Defensively, the Golden Eagles will look to improve especially in the running game where they gave up 300 yards to Upper Iowa. Minnesota Crookston is led by their linebacking corps of
Will Cross,
Chuck Lofquist and
Ali Alkhatib, who all returned as starters from 2016. In addition, safeties
Will Cole and
Trevor Long, Jr. will look to make plays from the defensive backfield. On the defensive line,
Austin Howard led the way last week with 11 tackles. He will look to build off that performance against Minnesota State.
Previewing the Mavericks
Minnesota State University, Mankato comes into the weekend with a No. 12 national ranking. The Mavericks defeated University of Mary 35-7 last week.
Offensively, Minnesota State is led by their running game. The Mavericks posted 273 yards on the ground against U-Mary. Minnesota State was led by 165 yards on the ground from running back Nate Gunn. Justin Taormina added over 70 yards on the ground. Through the air, quarterback Nate Schlichte was 8-of-15 for 92 yards. His top target was Ty Dennis, who had four catches for 76 yards.
Defensively, Minnesota State gave up 286 yards of offense to U-Mary. The Mavericks were led last week by Cade Johnson's 10 tackles, while Evan Perrizo notched seven tackles.
Minnesota State
1-0 Overall
0-0 NSIC South
Head Coach: Todd Hoffner
Minnesota Crookston
0-1 Overall
0-0 NSIC North
Head Coach:
Mark Dufner
Date: Sept. 9, 2017
Time: 1 p.m. C.T.
Site: Mankato, Minn.
Stadium: Blakeslee Stadium
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 7,000
Series: Minnesota State leads 4-0
Last: Minnesota State won 63-3 in
2015 in Mankato
Radio: 1260 KROX AM/105.7 FM
Leo Blavin (Play by Play)
Video: Stretch Internet
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mnsu/
Live Stats:
http://www.sidearmstats.com/mnsu/football/
#5StoryLines
1. Can Minnesota Crookston slow down the running game of Nate Gunn and Justin Taormina?
2. Will
Joseph Nava continue to make things happen with his legs?
3. Can
Kevin Evans continue to be a positive factor on the U of M Crookston running game?
4. Can the Golden Eagles improve their special teams after a blocked kick and two blocked punts last weekend?
5. Who will make the big plays defensively for Minnesota Crookston?
#MakingThingsHappen
Minnesota Crookston redshirt freshman
Joseph Nava showed positive signs last week against Upper Iowa. The quarterback repeatedly showed his ability to make plays when it looked like nothing was there. Nava rushed for 45 yards. He will look to improve his touch on passes, but has shown great potential.
#CurtainCall
U of M Crookston wide receiver
Adam Connette has had a great career for the Golden Eagles. Connette has shattered the majority of the receiving records at Minnesota Crookston. The senior from Corona, Calif., has 180 catches for 2,088 yards in his career. He already has the school records for receptions and receiving yards. Connette needs nine touchdowns to surpass Carl Aho's receiving touchdowns record.
#StingLikeABee
Ali Alkhatib might quite be like the Ali that ruled the boxing ring, but he has been a playmaker on the defensive end for the majority of his career. Alkhatib notched eight tackles and forced a fumble last week against Upper Iowa. He will look to continue to make a major impact on the defensive end as the Golden Eagles head into the Minnesota State game Saturday.
#Don'tGiveUp
Minnesota Crookston freshman cornerback
Donovan Baker showed what it means to not give up on a play last week in the fourth quarter. Upper Iowa looked to have a 57-yard touchdown rush, but Baker kept with the play and knocked the ball out at the 1-yard line. Baker would recover the fumble and return it 21 yards. The Golden Eagles were all but out of the game at that point, but Baker showed what it means to continue to fight and play your heart out for a full 60 minutes.
