#24 UMD Football Set to Renew Rivalry with #7 MSU-Mankato

In recent years, the rivalry series has been almost even as UMD is 5-6 against Mankato in the last 11 meetings.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team continued their perfect start to the season by taking down Concordia-St. Paul 61 to 7 this past Saturday.

Now, the stakes get raised a little bit.

The 7th ranked Minnesota State- Mankato Mavericks pay the 24th ranked Bulldogs a visit this weekend.

In recent years, the rivalry series has been almost even as UMD is 5-6 against Mankato in the last 11 meetings.

Head Coach Curt Wiese says he as well as his team know that Saturday’s contest isn’t any ordinary contest.

“We can say it’s one game at a time. We understand that Mankato brings a little different energy to our stadium here this weekend with the military appreciation game. Our guys have a different feeling in their stomachs this week. I could tell that with preparation starting on Sunday night into this morning with our special teams unit meeting. They’ll be ready to go Saturday afternoon,” said Wiese.

Speaking of special teams, UMD defensive back Jonathan Shrum picked up NSIC honors after housing a 90 yard kick return in the Bulldogs’ win against the Golden Bears.

He knows that it’s important his unit shows up against the Mavericks this weekend.

“They’re make or break plays. A couple of years ago, we pretty much lost on a play on a punt return. Like 25 percent of plays in a game, special teams are. Anytime you get on that field in special teams, you can make plenty of impact like you saw last weekend with a touchdown or big play, fumble, something like that, blocked kick. Anything like that can change a game,” said Shrum.

UMD will vie for their 24th victory all-time against Minnesota State-Mankato Saturday at 4 PM.