UMD Football to Close Out 2024 Campaign By Taking On Rivals MSU-Mankato

UMD has taken two out of the last three meetings against Minnesota State-Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday will mark the end of the 2024 campaign for the UMD football team as they hold their season finale against rivals Minnesota State-Mankato.

The Bulldogs enter the game red hot as they’ve won their last three, including a 35 to 7 drubbing against Concordia-St. Paul last Saturday.

Mankato on the other hand, has won their last two.

With the playoffs out of the question for UMD, head coach Curt Wiese says a win Saturday will not only impact this year’s squad but the future Bulldog teams as well.

“There’s not a lot of love between these two programs. This will be a hard fought football game this weekend. Our guys have a lot of respect for the team we’re going to face but also understand that this is a big game for us. It will be able to propel us into the off-season, finish of the season on a high note beating a good football team. For us, right now getting to 7-4 is going to be our main goal and focus,” said Wiese.

Saturday’s contest will also mark the final game for a number of seniors on the team. That includes Superior native and UMD linebacker Brady Herbst, who reflected on his time at the school.

“Well it’s a lot to take in, a lot to think about. Very appreciate of these last 4-5 years that I’ve had here. I’m excited to see what’s next but I’m really excited to see last one more game against our rival and to come out and compete the best we can,” added Herbst.

UMD has taken two out of the last three meetings against Minnesota State-Mankato, most recently topping the Mavericks last year, 33 to 21.

Kickoff is set for noon at Malosky Stadium on Saturday.