Minnesota State Moorhead Toppled Minnesota Duluth 23-20

The Dragons secured a narrow overtime victory at Alex Nemzek Stadium on September 26.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Football

Minnesota State Moorhead Toppled Minnesota Duluth 23-20

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Minnesota State Moorhead defeated Minnesota Duluth in a close 23-20 overtime football game. The win was sealed by a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Huebner to receiver Kelly Johnson.

Why it matters

The victory highlights the resilience of the team in high-pressure situations, as they maintained composure to clinch the game in the extra period. This win provides critical momentum for the program as they prepare for their upcoming road schedule.

Quarterback Drew Huebner has completed 58 percent of his passes for 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns through five games. He also recorded 418 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 76 attempts.

The players

Drew Huebner

He serves as the quarterback for the Minnesota State Moorhead football team.

Reign Battle

He is a defensive linebacker who has contributed 23 total tackles and two forced fumbles this season.

Gannon Bolgrean

He is a linebacker who has logged 27 total tackles and five tackles for a loss through five games.

Kelly Johnson

He is a wide receiver who caught the game-winning 23-yard touchdown pass in overtime.

The details

The game saw defensive intensity, notably when Reign Battle forced a fumble that led to an early touchdown. Linebacker Gannon Bolgrean, who has recorded 27 tackles this season, is expected to be sidelined for the next game due to a lower leg injury.

The game took place on September 26, 2026.
The next game is scheduled for October 3, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This win alters the team's momentum within the conference standings as they prepare for a mid-season transition to road games. The ability to win close overtime contests is a key indicator for potential playoff positioning and divisional rankings.

The win-loss record shift directly affects the team's conference standing for the remainder of the 2026 season. Additionally, the injury to Gannon Bolgrean necessitates a rotation change in the defensive lineup for the upcoming game.

The takeaway

This victory demonstrates the importance of situational defense and overtime efficiency in collegiate athletics. Maintaining roster depth will be crucial for the team as they navigate significant injuries throughout the remainder of the season.