The University of Mary football team heads up U.S. Highway 83 on Saturday for the annual Battle for the Big Lake at Minot State's First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium. Both schools' schedules list a 2 p.m. kickoff. Both teams are 2-5 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play and coming off losses.
What's at stake
Per the NSIC standings (as of Oct. 24), UMary is 3-5 overall, 1-3 in the North Division, and has lost two straight. Minot State is 2-6 overall and 1-2 in the division, and lost its most recent game.
UMary Athletics called Minot State a "Highway 83 rival" in its Oct. 24 recap. Its series history page lists the Marauders at 5-7 all-time against the Beavers. UMary has won the last two meetings, both in Bismarck: 27-23 in 2023 and 36-21 on Nov. 1, 2025. The Marauders are 1-4 on the road in the series.
How they got here
UMary's last game was the 27-12 home loss to No. 17 Minnesota Duluth on Oct. 24. Two fourth-quarter scoring drives gave the Marauders a 12-11 lead before the Bulldogs pulled away, according to the UMary recap.
Minot State lost 49-29 at Sioux Falls on Oct. 24, despite rushing for 355 yards, per Minot State Athletics. Brandon Hines Jr. ran for 149 of those yards, including a 75-yard touchdown. Matt Shinn added two rushing touchdowns. "We need to get back home, regroup, and circle the wagons - we have a big opportunity in front of us next week," head coach Ian Shields said in the school's release.
UMary leaders
Per UMary's season statistics:
- Passing: Ryan Blair has completed 169 of 246 passes (68.7%) for 1,688 yards, with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions.
- Rushing: Junior Xavier Brackenridge has 380 yards and six touchdowns on 96 carries.
- Receiving: Karsyn Jablonski has 54 catches for 758 yards and six touchdowns.
- Defense: Christopher Federico leads with 71 tackles, including nine for loss. Vegas George has 5.0 sacks, and Abram Jopp has two interceptions.
UMary averages 18.25 points and allows 26.38 per game.
Next up
UMary's remaining schedule:
- Nov. 7: at Winona State, Winona, Minn., 1 p.m.
- Nov. 14: vs. Bemidji State, MDU Resources Community Bowl, Bismarck, 1 p.m. (Military Appreciation and Senior Day)
Minot State's schedule has the Beavers hosting Northern State on Nov. 7 and closing at Minnesota Duluth on Nov. 14.
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