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Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State University football team fell to No. 1 Minnesota State, 27-10, in the 2015 home opener. The Wolves slide to 0-2 on the year, as Mavericks improve to 2-0. Northern fought throughout the game, however Minnesota State pulled away in the second half and sealed their victory with under two minutes in the fourth quarter.
 
Northern fell behind early in the first quarter 6-0, with two quick field goals by the Mavericks. Minnesota State added a touchdown earlier in the second quarter, and was up 13-0. NSU began to chip away at the MSU lead on the next drive, ultimately recording their first score of the game. The 17 play drive started on the Wolves 15 yard line and was highlighted by two receptions for 21 yards by Tyrell Anderson. Adrian Krupka recorded his third made field goal of the season, a 40 yard attempt as the Wolves were unable to convert on third down from the MSU 23.
 
The NSU defense held the Mavericks on their last drive, spear headed by Wolves defensive back Joe Parsley. With the Mavericks on their own 27 yard line, Parsley intercepted Ricky Lloyd's pass intended for Connor Thomas. Joe recorded a 12 yard return and left the offense with great field position. A quick three yard run by Nick Truen brought NSU to the 18 yard line, and the Wolves were in striking distance. Kyle Lavand aired one out from Tyrell Anderson, whose 18 yard reception, resulted in his first touchdown of the season. Krupka added the PAT and the Wolves were within three of the number one ranked team in the nation.
 
Minnesota State answered back with a large drive of their own to wind down the first half. The Northern defense held the Mavericks on the goal line forcing them attempt a field goal with just seconds on the clock. Alden Haffar's attempt was blocked by NSU senior Cameron Pudwill and the two teams entered the locker room with a half time score of 13-10, in favor of MSU. Minnesota State added two touchdowns in the second half of play which ultimately made the difference in the game.
 
Nick Truen led the NSU rushing game with 31 yards on 18 carries. Cameron Pudwill proved his worth on short yardage attempts with three carries and seven yards gained, converting on each possession for the Wolves. Kyle Lavand tallied 156 yards passing with 18 completions in 28 attempts.
 
Tyrell Anderson led the NSU receivers with 53 yards on six receptions and one touchdown. He was followed by Zachery Barber with 47 yards on four receptions. Barber tallied the team's longest reception of the day, a 24 yard completion in Northern's first drive of the fourth quarter. Barber led the team with 77 all-purpose yards in the game. He tallied 27 yards on two kick returns.
 
Devin Olson led the NSU defense for the second week straight with 7.5 tackles. Brendon Hoellein and Taylor Zemlicka were second on the team with 5.5 each. Tanner Lopez and Tanner Feterl each tallied one tackle for a loss. The defense tallied three interceptions in the game by Tyson Zemlicka, Channing Barber, and Parsley.
 
Northern continues cross-divisional play next weekend on the road at Wayne State. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Wayne. The Wolves return home the following weekend for the annual Gypsy Days game. Northern will face-off against Sioux Falls at 2:30 p.m. on September 26^th.