November 15th, 2025 4:00pm
From MSUM Sports Information:
MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State Moorhead commanded action from the opening kick in the regular season finale with 14th-ranked Minnesota State. The Dragons outplayed the Mavericks on both sides of the ball to claim a 31-23 victory.
The victory for Moorhead is the first over Minnesota State since October 10, 1981. Also in the win, quarterback Jack Strand became the NSIC's all-time leading passer with the record now standing at 12,134 yards.
Moorhead would begin the contest hot on both sides of the ball as the Dragon defense would force a punt on the first offensive possession. MSUM's offense would take over as Jack Strand would use a combination of his arm and legs to move the Dragons downfield. Strand linked up with Madden Thorson for a 28-yard completion to get Moorhead to the Maverick 24-yard line. The senior quarterback would later use his legs to get a first down on a fourth and one play.
A few plays later, Strand would find Carson Elbert in the back of the endzone for a short touchdown reception. The teams would trade punts from there with the Dragon stalling Minnesota State's second series thanks to pass defense from Caleb Munger. The 7-0 scoreline held through 15 minutes of play. Moorhead would force another Maverick punt at the outset of the second quarter.
The Dragons would again move downfield as Moorhead opted for several short passes to move the chains. Following a pass interference call, MSUM sat on the Maverick two-yard line. Again, the short pass was effective as Strand found Brady Perryman to push the Dragons in front by 14 points. Minnesota State would connect on a field goal on the ensuing drive making the score 14-3 with under two minutes to go in the second quarter.
Unfortunately for the Dragons, a tipped pass on the ensuing series would land in the hands of the Mavericks. Minnesota State would utilize the turnover to score their first touchdown of the contest, making the count 14-10. Moorhead would do a nice job in response with 40 seconds to play as they would travel to MSU's 17-yard line. However, a field goal attempt would miss, keeping the score at 14-10 at the break. Strand passed for 162 yards in the half, breaking the NSIC record for career pass yards.
Moorhead would continue to move the ball on offense to open the second half. The Dragons used 16 plays to travel 60 yards, ultimately landing on the Maverick 15-yard line. Max Watson would convert on a 32-yard field goal to put MSUM up 17-10. The Dragon defense continued to get timely stops, too, forcing a three and out on MSU's first possession of the half.
The Dragons would stir again, traveling 79 yards on 13 plays to make it to the Maverick 10-yard line. As is appropriate, Strand completed a pass to Gage Florence, who crossed the goal line to have the Dragons in front, 24-10. That score would hold firm through 30 minutes of action.
Minnesota State would be quick to score at the beginning of the final quarter, cutting the deficit in half. As they would all afternoon, Moorhead provided the answer. The legs of Strand and Owen Wiersma would allow MSUM to move downfield to the MSU four-yard line. Wiersma crossed the goal line to make the contest a two-score affair again with Moorhead leading 31-17. The Mavericks would swing back, scoring with just over six minutes to play. However, the Mavericks would miss the ensuing extra point, keeping the Dragon lead at eight points (31-23).
The Dragons would punt on their ensuing drive, giving the Mavericks one final drive to tie the game. Minnesota State would drive to the Moorhead 36-yard line before the Dragon defense left its lasting impression on the game. True freshman Dean Lempka dashed for a sack fumble on third down, resulting in 13 lost yards. MSUM would stave off a fourth and 19 attempt from the Mavericks to give Moorhead possession with under a minute to play.
Moorhead would effectively run the clock down to secure the 31-23 victory. Strand was downright outstanding in his final regular season contest, slinging for 240 yards and a career-best 118 yards on the ground. Florence logged 10 receptions for 111 yards and a score for MSUM.
Moorhead finishes the regular season 8-3 overall.