Copy of article from Minot Daily News (link)

Minot State loses its second 3-0 game of the season against a DAC rival

By MICHAEL LINNELL, Sports Editor mlinnell@minotdailynews.com

JAMESTOWN - It must have been like a bad recurring dream for Minot StateUniversity.

The Beavers had plenty of opportunities, but could not put points on the board as MSU dropped a second 3-0 contest this season. They lost an eerily similar game 3-0 to Dickinson State University Sept. 30.

“I don't know how to define it,” MSU head coach Mike Sivertson said.

Jamestown College's defense came up huge time and time again to thwart MSU 3-0 in Dakota Athletic Conference football Saturday at Taylor Stadium. The win propels the No. 16-ranked Jimmies (4-2 DAC, 7-2 overall) into a solid spot for a playoff berth, while the loss effectively ended the Beavers' (4-2 DAC, 4-5 overall) conference title hopes.

“It has been kind of a weird year in the league,” Jimmies head coach Tom Dosch said. “We knew that Minot was going to be a tough defense and our guys rose up to the challenge.”

With points at a premium, it came down to a 29-yard field goal by JC's Bryan Loweree with 1:32 remaining in the first quarter. The play was set up by a high snap over MSU's punter Nik Levnaich on fourth down, setting the Jimmiesup at the MSU 9. The Beavers actually forced two incomplete passes and a 3-yard loss before Loweree made the eventual game-winner

“We knew that (JC) would be good and we had to make some plays,” Sivertson said.

The two teams weren't separated by much statistically coming into Saturday's game and left just as equal. MSU gained 133 yards of total offense and the Jimmies just 130.

“Minot has a great defense,” JC senior running back Eric Dirk said. “It was tough to get anything going. But we think we have a good defense as well.”

The difference in the game was miscues. While both team turned the ball over twice, the turnovers were much more costly for the Beavers. MSU'squarterback Jon Meier twice was intercepted in or around the end zone and the bad snap, while officially wasn't a turnover as Levnaich fell on the ball, led to the only points. Jamestown's quarterback, Josh Kittell — a sophomore from Garrison making his first collegiate start in place of injured Tanner Kelting — was also picked off twice but MSU could not capitalize either time.

“I guess you could say that we were opportunistic on defense,” Dosch said. “Bryce (Peterson) and Dan (White) both made big plays for us.”

Peterson's interception came at the 2 as he stepped in front of Meier's pass early in the second quarter. MSU had driven 34 yards to the JC 20. White's pick was in the back of the end zone negating a drive that stalled at the JC 26.

“The defense came up big like they have all season,” said Kittell, who was 9-of-17 for 71 yards in his debut. “The offense came together when we needed to. It might not show up in the stats, but we moved the ball when it counted.”

When it counted turned out to be the final drive of the game. The Jimmies took over at their own 31 following a fake field goal attempt by MSU that came up short. JC then went on a 19-play drive, consuming the final 9:23 of the game.

“The offensive line came together and made plays,” Dirk said on the final drive. “It was tough getting yards, but we put it together on that drive.”

Multiple times the Jimmies found ways to get key first downs. The first came on a personal foul face mask penalty called on MSU's Blaine King on the second of two consecutive sacks for King. The second was key fourth down call as Dirk barreled over right tackle for five yards on 4th-and-2 from the MSU 35.

“There wasn't any decision,” Dosch said of the fourth-down call. “I told the guys on the headset that we were in four down territory.”

MSU had drives stall at the Jamestown 30, 39 and 26 in the second half and at the JC 13 and 20 in the first half. Along with the two interceptions, MSU missed a 30-yard field goal attempt midway through the second quarter.

“You tell me — we didn't score any points,” Sivertson said when asked if his team found any offensive rhythm in the game.

Dirk finished with 102 yards rushing on 29 carries to pace JC. Tight end Tyler Stowers caught four passes for 29 yards for the Jimmies.MSU was paced by Neil Graham's 62 yards rushing on 21 carries. Manny Gutierrez added 50 yards on the ground and tight end Joe Monsoor caught two balls for 29 yards.

MSU is back on the road for the season finale Saturday against Black Hills State University. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (MST) in Spearfish, S.D