(Pictured: Drew Bauer-UMD, Jake Wargo and Matt Wagner-AU, Bemidji State Defense, Luke Papilion-USF)
(Photos: CSP Athletics-Jordan Vredeveld, AU Athletics, BSU Athletics, USF Athletics)

Games for Saturday, September 24

Minnesota State-Moorhead (2-1) at Minnesota State-Mankato (2-1), 1pm





Mavericks 42-24

St. Cloud State (1-2) at Wayne State (0-3), 1pm


Winona State (2-1) at Mary (0-3), 1pm



Warriors 55-13

Southwest Minnesota State (2-1) at Minnesota-Crookston (0-3), 1pm

SMSU had a lackluster performance last week in a game that saw the Mustangs chasing a struggling UMary for much of the first half. In the back half of the contest SMSU was able to right the ship. With the 'Stangs lead running back Ashanti Payne injured, the bulk of the carries went to Divonte Beale. He responded well totting the rock 27 times for 164 yards and a score. At the moment SMSU looks a bit like its teams of the past, lots of offense and questionable defense. This is a common theme in the conference this year, but nobody else struggled to stop the Marauders yet.

Crookston's played a tough schedule, going to both Winona and Augie. Unfortunately the Eagles haven't shown any signs of life in those games and with another game against a very good offense, UMC is seemingly in trouble.
Mustangs 51-6

Concordia-St. Paul (2-1) at Northern State (1-2), 1pm


(Pictured: Ron Johnson-CSP. Photo: Justin Oakman Photography)

Northern looked like it was a playoff caliber squad after 2 games, but now finds itself at 1-2 and a long-shot for the postseason. The loss to Winona State wasn't shocking, but the manner in which they lost was. The Wolves offense looked good early this year, pounding the ball in the running game and passing as needed. But NSU was sitting at 30 yards of offense at half against Winona but finished with under 200 by games end. The Wolves were put in a lot of 3rd-and-uncomfortable, due to their running game sputtering.

NSU has played the toughest schedule in the NSIC through 3 weeks, and for the most part has looked like a strong squad. If this game was played in St. Paul, I'd be taking the home squad, but with it back in Aberdeen I'm taking NSU to rebound.
Wolves 30-27

Minot State (1-2) at Upper Iowa (0-3), 3pm

MSU played a competitive first half with USF, but allowed things to get one-sided in the 2nd. Isaiah Weed is a capable Quarterback who can make plays with his feet if needed. The Beavers defense is probably the best amongst the Tier 4 squads, which should give them an advantage when they lock horns with the North.

Upper Iowa is 0-3, and in all 3 games they've trailed and had to try and chase their way back. In each game they've gotten within a score, only to fall short. The same scenario occurred in Moorhead, with the Peacocks missing a chip shot field goal at the end that would've won the contest. Brent Lammers filled in for an apparently injured Dmitri Morales (was listed as the starter on the 2 deep), while Derrick Portis played his first snaps for the 'Cocks at running back. Portis went for 139 yards on 25 touches, with 3 scores.

Oddly enough, the Peacocks have outgained their opponents this year, yet find themselves winless. I think that comes to an end against a Minot team that has the longest road trip possible in the Northern Sun. (12 hour drive) I like UIU with or without starting quarterback Dimitri Morales.
Peacocks 34-20




Bemidji State (3-0) at Sioux Falls (3-0), 6pm

nd half. Nonetheless, Luke is completing just 45% of his passes through 3 games, which is much below his 58% of a year ago. USF has completed 35 passes so far this year, 2ndBSU offense vs USF defenseUSF offense vs BSU defenseOutlookAugustana (3-0) at Minnesota-Duluth (2-1), 6pm



Augustana (3-0) at Minnesota-Duluth (2-1), 6pmAU offense vs UMD defenseUMD offense vs AU defenseOutlookWitt's Picks 2016 record: 17-7