Beavers guarded against possible letdown

MICHAEL LINNELL, Sports Editor mlinnell@minotdailynews.com



Minot State University head football coach Paul Rudolph wasted little time addressing it. Since then, he has spent little time dwelling on it.

The “it” is a possible letdown after MSU defeated rival Dickinson State 22-7 Saturday at Herb Parker Stadium.

“We talked about it right away on Sunday and mentioned it Tuesday,” he said. “But that is it. We have to be able to rise to the occasion and be ready.”

The Beavers will try to extend their Dakota Athletic Conference winning streak to four and remain perfect in the conference as they travel to Mayville State for a 2 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Jerome Berg Field.

The Comets are 0-3 in DAC play and just 1-5 overall, but have played their DAC opponents close.

“They have been in it right down to the fourth quarter in most games,” Rudolph said. “They have played pretty well, despite their record.”

The Beavers were stung by Mayville in 2005 when the Comets ended a 23-game DAC losing streak with a 15-12 win at Herb Parker.

This version of the Minot State team, however, is playing some of its best football of the season. The Beavers opened with three straight losses, but have rebounded with three straight and are in a tie with Jamestown College for first place.

“We feel we have come along pretty well over the course of the season,” Rudolph said. “There are things we need to work on, obviously, but I am happy overall.”

The MiSU defense has been the key early in the conference season, especially at home. The Beavers have 10 interceptions in two games at home and are allowing only 10.5 points per game.

“We certainly get up for games at home,” Rudolph said. “But we haven't been that good on the road. We do the same things, but just haven't been as sharp.”

The Minot State defense will have to contend with a massive Mayville offensive line that averages 341 pounds.

“They are huge up front,” Rudolph said. “They don't try to trick you too much. It is a hey diddle, diddle, were coming up the middle offense.”

While the line is large, the Comets also have mobile quarterback junior Dustin Hagens to contend with.

“He can beat you if you give him time,” Rudolph said.

The Beavers counter with speed and a new-found depth on defense. Rudolph and defensive coordinator Mike Rowe have routinely rotated multiple players at every defensive position. There were some rocky times early, but that move is paying off more and more each week.

“We went with the young guys right away,” Rudolph said. “That was our strategy. When you put guys in those situations and they work at understanding their roles, they will respond. The younger guys are understanding the system.”

The Beavers also have had improved special teams play, as Mike Fox garnered special teams player of the week honors last week. Some of that award was due to solid down-field coverage anchored by Tyson Snelling.

“Tyson had a great day covering punts as did Casey Meadows,” Rudolph said. “And we kicked better. Overall, it was a good week.”