Chris Belmore and Weston Dressler connect for three touchdowns
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Although they are rare for the University of North Dakota football team, it's apparent that the bye week did some good.
The Sioux fired on every cylinder this afternoon at the Alerus Center. The offense racked up 478 yards, while the defense created five turnovers, as UND dominated Minnesota Duluth 38-14 in front of a crowd of 8,009.
Much of the action came in the first half. UND jumped out to a 35-0 lead at half and had 353 yards, averaging just under 10 yards per play. The Sioux defense, meanwhile, held Duluth to 67 yards on 32 plays.
The Sioux also scored touchdowns on each of their first four possessions. Chris Belmore and Weston Dressler connected for touchdowns on three separate occasions. The defense also provided some points. Rory Manke intercepted a Ted Schlafke pass and returned 56 yards into the end zone.
The Sioux methodically drove the ball down the field on their first possession, setting a tone for the rest of the game. UND drove 88 yards on 12 plays. Most of the work was done on the ground with a combination of rushes from Ryan Chappell, Chris Beatty and Belmore. However, the biggest play on the drive came from Belmore's arm. On a third-and-10 near midfield, Belmore found Lee Groeschl who scampered for 15 yards.
The drive was capped by the first Belmore-to-Dressler touchdown. That touchdown pass was Belmore's 40th of his career, a mark that only five other quarterbacks have achieved.
After Duluth's Brett Baumann missed a 45-yard field goal, the Sioux responded again. Belmore connected with Dressler for 51 yards. This time it wasn't for a score, but set up a Chappell five-yard rushing touchdown. Chappell ended the game with 71 yards.
Then the defense took over. Manke intercepted Schlafke for his scored, and then the Sioux defense set up the offense for two more touchdowns.
The Bulldogs were stopped on 4th-and-8 on the UND 34-yard line. Schlafke, who was hurried by Zachariah Babington-Johnson, tried to find Tony Doherty on a long pass up the middle. However, the pass was deflected on a athletic play from Donovan Alexander. One play later the Belmore connected with Dressler for a 66-yard score.
On Duluth's next possession, Tom DeSautel picked off another Schlafke pass. One play later Belmore connected with Dressler for a 41-yard touchdown. Dressler ended with six receptions for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Belmore went 13-for-19 for 238 yards and the three scores.
Despite giving up two second half touchdowns, the Sioux defense was dominant throughout the game. Schlafke was constantly pressured, as the Sioux defense ended with two sacks and 12 quarterback hurries. The Sioux also picked off four Schlafke passes and recovered one fumble.
The Sioux ended with 271 yards rushing. Brandon Strouth led the way with 113 yards. It was Strouth's first career 100-yard game.
GAME NOTES: Belmore's three touchdown passes give him 42 in his career, which ties him with Jay Gustafson and Corey Colehour for third all-time at UND … With his three touchdown receptions, Dressler has 20 career touchdowns, which ties him with Jeff McElroy for second all-time at UND … Dressler also tied McElroy for touchdown receptions in a single season. Dressler now has 11 touchdown receptions this season. Dan Graf holds the UND record with 12 in 2001.
Game story written by Matt Schill, University of North Dakota media relations.
Contact: Jayson Hajdu
