Copy of article from Minot Daily News (link)

MSU stymied

By MICHAEL LINNELL Sports Editor, mlinnell@minotdailynews.com

Time and time again the Minot State University offense pushed the ball deep into Black Hills State University territory.

Time and time again, the Yellow Jackets held.

The Beavers moved the ball five times inside the Yellow Jackets' 30-yard line — four times in the second half — without coming up with points as BHSU edged the Beavers 6-2 in a defensive struggle Saturday at Herb Parker Stadium. While it matched two Dakota Athletic Conference teams, the game was a nonconference tilt.

“We are averaging just three points a game,” BHSU head coach John Scott said. “That wouldn't be very good if we were a baseball team — and we're talking football. But, we don't feel too bad about being 1-2 with a win (Saturday).”

The Yellow Jackets' defense bent much of the second half, but, as a pass from MSU quarterback Jon Meier fell incomplete on fourth-and-four from the BHSU 12 with just 1:20 remaining in the game, it never broke.

“We had some opportunities which we have to convert,” MSU head coach Mike Sivertson said. “We had two field goal attempts miss. You can do the math.”

The Yellow Jackets' offense wasn't much better than the MSU offense, but did record their first touchdown of the season. It became an even more important play as the two defenses tightened. BHSU's Mike Vomhof took a pitch and turned the corner, scoring from eight yards out on a third-and-three play with 5:52 to play in the third corner. Vomhof, who finished with 75 yards on 22 carries, had a hunch that the one score would be enough.

“Oh, yeah. This win is on the defense,” he said. “I can't say enough about the defense. You could see them get a little more confidence when we were able to punch one through.”

It did hold, but MSU made it interesting. Before the Vomhof score, MSU marched the opening kick of the second half to the BHSU 26 on seven plays. The drive stalled, however, and Beavers kicker Nik Levnaich's 43-yard field goal attempt clanged off the left upright.

Robert Petry/MDN Minot State University receiver Josh Kringen (20) catches a pass in traffic during MSU's game against Black Hills State University, Saturday at Herb Parker Stadium. Defending for BHSU Craig Tschetter (20) and Shad Schneider.