Copy of Minot Daily News Story (link)

MSU clinches a share of DAC title

MADISON, S.D. — Minot State University's defense held Dakota State to just eight first downs and the Beavers clinched at least a share of the Dakota Athletic Conference title with a 33-14 Saturday at Trojan Field.

“It feels good to get at least a share and be at home with a chance to win the darn thing outright,” MSU head coach Paul Rudolph said.

The No. 25-ranked Beavers will play host to Jamestown College Saturday a Herb Parker Stadium Saturday. An MSU win gives the Beavers the conference title outright and a loss would send MSU, JC and Black Hills State into a three-way tie.

MSU broke open the game with a 21-point outburst spanning the first and second quarters. After DaSU suffered a safety on a botched punt attempt giving the Beavers a 2-0 lead, the Beavers offense took over. MSU scored on an 11-yard run by Nick Banks and a pair of touchdown passes from Jon Meier — the first a 5-yard strike to Kevin Hanson and the second a 21-yard pass to Banks. The three scores came in a span of 10 minutes and gave MSU a 23-0 lead.

“We felt we were in pretty good shape early. We stubbed a toe in the first quarter, but we got the safety and it opened up,” Rudolph said. “We were pretty good for a stretch.

MSU's defense rose to the occasion after a sub par first half last week against Valley City State, shutting down the Trojans throughout the first half.

“I think the defense was a little disappointed after giving up quite a few yards and points last week,” Rudolph said. “We had a little bit of an attitude.”

The Beavers (6-0 DAC, 6-3 overall) were able to get multiple players into the game in the second half and back up running back Andre James made the most of his opportunity with 106 yards on 19 carries. Banks finished with 90 yards on 19 carries as MSU rushed for 207 yards as a team.

“He had an excellent third quarter,” Rudolph said of James. “We got a number of guys get some good reps.”

The Beavers also had a solid day from their quarterbacks. Starter Jon Meier went 13-of-22 for 197 yards and three touchdowns. And, MSU back up QB Ryan Jutras caught a 60-yard pass to set up the Beavers' fourth score, a 27-yard field goal by Michael Fox. Jutras was moved to tight end due to injuries during the week and came along during the game.

“He made a couple of plays in the passing game and got better as the game went on,” Rudolph said. “He is a guy who will say ‘I'll take this on.'”

The Trojans (2-4 DAC, 3-5 overall) never got much going until late in the game, scoring twice in the fourth quarter, the last with 19 seconds to go. MSU limited DaSU to just 226 yards in total offense and only 21 yards rushing.

— Daily News Staff