The Minnesota State Moorhead football team is ready to make a statement when they face perennial Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference power Winona State today at 1 p.m.
"They've been the face of the NSIC for the last 10 years or so," Dragons linebacker Jon Miller said. "If we could beat them, it would elevate us to a team that could be a contender."
The Warriors, who sit just outside the NCAA Division II Top 25, enter Alex Nemzek Stadium in a familiar position - atop the NSIC.
Winona State (4-1, 3-0 NSIC) has crushed its league opponents by an average of three touchdowns.
The key has been the play of its potent offense, which averages 427 yards per game.
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After sitting much of last season with a knee injury, quarterback Drew Aber has emerged as one of the NSIC's elite.
The senior leads the league with 1,353 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Senior Scott Peters has become Aber's favorite target, hauling in 27 passes for a league-high 623 yards and six touchdowns.
"They are solid everywhere," Miller said. "Especially with their front seven. We have to stop the run to give our defensive backs a chance."
Winona State's running game is led by Alex Wiese, who is averaging 79 yards per game.
The Dragons, who began their resurgence last season by finishing with a winning record for the first time since 1999, are coming off victories against Wayne State and Upper Iowa.
MSUM needed a late field goal and defensive stand to hold off the Peacocks.
"We defensively could have done things a lot better to not let them back in the game," Miller said. "But on the positive side of it, we stepped up when they had the ball in the end. As long as we get the win, that's all I care about."
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The Warriors needed a second-half surge last season to pull away to a 32-19 win against the Dragons in Winona, Minn.
A victory today could provide a defining moment in the MSUM program's comeback from years of struggles.
"We have to play with a lot of intensity," Miller said. "On defense, we have to fly around and match how talented they are. If we can play passionately and play with intensity, we can win."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562.
Hotzler's small college blog can be found at www.areavoices.com Preparing a statement Heath Hotzler 20071006
