Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Football Opener: Bulldogs Face Concordia

Strategic Insights -

The University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) Bulldogs are set to face the Concordia Golden Bears in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football opener. The game will take place at Malosky Stadium, with a seating capacity of 4,500, featuring artificial turf. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 3 by the American Football Coaches Association and No. 4 by d2football.com, are looking to continue their winning streak as they return to the field after a four-year absence.

The Bulldogs have a rich history of success, with a 53-19 record under coach Bob Nielson, who has yet to lose in his return to the team. They are also looking to assert their dominance on the field, with a strong team led by sophomore quarterback Jon Lynch, who steps in as the starting quarterback after replacing four-year starter Ted Schlafke. UMD's junior rushing tandem of Isaac Odim and Brad Foss is a major force to be reckoned with, with Odim holding team records for rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry.

Meanwhile, Concordia's sophomore quarterback Spencer Ohm is expected to get the starting nod, having passed for 784 yards and five touchdowns last season. The Golden Bears have a young but strong offensive line, and return four starters, with wide receiver Calvin Simon, who caught 35 passes for 517 yards and four touchdowns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UMD Bulldogs are ranked No. 3 by the American Football Coaches Association and No. 4 by d2football.com.
  • Coach Bob Nielson returns to the Bulldogs helm after a four-year absence, with a 53-19 record.
  • Sophomore quarterback Jon Lynch steps in as the starting quarterback for UMD.
  • UMD's junior rushing tandem of Isaac Odim and Brad Foss is a major force to be reckoned with.
  • Concordia's sophomore quarterback Spencer Ohm is expected to get the starting nod, with a strong arm and a passing record of 784 yards and five touchdowns.
  • The Golden Bears return four starters on the offensive line and have a strong wide receiver in Calvin Simon.

Statistics:

  • UMD's junior rushing tandem of Isaac Odim and Brad Foss holds team records for rushing yards (1,638), rushing touchdowns (26), yards per carry (7.3), and total touchdowns (30).
  • UMD's quarterback, Ted Schlafke, threw for 1,618 yards and nine touchdowns.
  • UMD's wide receiver, D.J. Winfield, caught 71 passes for a school-record 1,201 yards.
  • Concordia's punter, T.G. Schoenberg, is the top-rated punter in the league.
  • The Bulldogs have won nine straight home openers.

Sources:

  • Duluth News Tribune (c) 2009, Minn. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
  • KBJR DT 6.2, KRII 11.9, My 9
  • KQDS 1490 AM
  • American Football Coaches Association
  • d2football.com