On September 5, the Bemidji State Beavers showcased an impressive defensive display, defeating the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs 38-0 at Chet Anderson Stadium. This victory marked the first shutout for Bemidji State since 2024, a feat they also accomplished against SMSU. The game was particularly special as it coincided with Senior Day, where the team's seniors, including standout defensive lineman Nah'Shawn Keith, were honored.
Nah'Shawn Keith had a remarkable performance, leading the Beavers with six tackles, 2.5 sacks, and recovering a fumble. His impact was felt early in the game, as he recovered a fumble following a strip-sack by teammate Kaden Cook on SMSU quarterback Macloud Crowton. This turnover set the stage for a quick 16-yard touchdown run by senior Jayden Washington, giving BSU an early lead.
Despite the game featuring numerous substitutions in the fourth quarter, the BSU defense maintained its dominance, allowing Southwest Minnesota State to gain only 27 plays and a staggering negative three yards in the first half. Keith, who missed most of the previous season due to a torn medial collateral ligament, expressed his joy at returning to the field for one last season and contributing significantly on Senior Day. "That felt really good, especially coming off of my injury last year," Keith remarked. "Coming out with a couple of sacks, that felt really good."
Head coach Brent Bolte praised Keith's influence on the defensive line, stating, "He’s kind of an equalist of the defensive line — they play off of him. He’s a good football player and showed it today." The Beavers' defensive success continued from their previous game against Michigan Tech, where they limited the Huskies to just 74 yards of offense in the second half.
Bolte attributed the team's defensive success to a simplified game plan, which allowed the players to execute effectively. He noted that the entire squad performed well, even when backups entered the game. The early tone of the match was set within the first two minutes, emphasizing the Beavers' aggressive defensive strategy.
Offensively, quarterback Bart McAninch took the majority of snaps, completing 13 of 20 passes for 191 yards, including a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. His ability to connect on long passes was evident, as he completed two 44-yard throws to Hudson Omoke and Tyree Lockett, both leading to touchdowns. Bolte acknowledged McAninch's growth as a leader, despite some struggles in the third quarter against the wind.
In addition to McAninch, quarterback Mack Molander also contributed, coming in for wildcat-style plays and finishing with 98 passing yards and a touchdown. The Beavers had a balanced offensive attack, with five different players reaching the end zone. This comprehensive performance was a stark contrast to the previous season, where BSU faced significant losses against conference rivals.
As the game concluded, the Beavers celebrated a much-needed victory, reflecting on the improvement from the previous season. Keith, who had been sidelined during last year's struggles, expressed his relief and pride in the team's performance. "Being on the sideline, it hurts not being out there helping the team, so that really feels good to come out here and get a win," he said.
The final score of the game was Bemidji State 38, Southwest Minnesota State 0, with the Beavers scoring touchdowns in each quarter and a field goal in the third. This decisive win not only boosts the team's confidence but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the season.
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