UND spent September playing three unfamiliar opponents, all from the South.
The Sioux welcomed familiarity Saturday when South Dakota returned to the Alerus Center, where the Sioux beat their long-time rival 27-12 in the Great West Conference opener for both teams.
But it's back to unfamiliar territory this week in the Potato Bowl as the Sioux host Stony Brook, a New York Division I FCS program that plays in the Big South Conference.
Stony Brook improved to 2-3 on Saturday with a 52-14 win against Presbyterian. The Seawolves capitalized on seven Presbyterian turnovers.
The Sioux capitalized before a Homecoming crowd of 12,431 Alerus Center fans. It had been nearly 11 months since UND had played on its home field. UND's start was good but its finish was strong.
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"In the first half, we played well but not perfect," UND linebacker Curtis Dublanko said. "In the second half, we played perfect."
The Sioux defense held South Dakota to no points and 114 yards of offense in the final two quarters and came up with a fourth-quarter goal-line stand that sealed UND's second win of the season.
UND came up big defensively late in the first half, too. The Coyotes had a first-and-goal at the Sioux 9 but couldn't punch it in. The Coyotes wound up missing a 21-yard field goal attempt, which kept UND in the lead and set the stage for a big second half by the Sioux.
"In the second half, our players came out and made the adjustments they needed to make," UND coach Chris Mussman said.
Now, the Sioux will have to make more adjustments this week as they prepare to meet another first-time opponent.
Stony Brook appears to be a balanced team offensively. Stony Brook quarterback Michael Coulter has completed 70 of 119 passes for 926 yards and six touchdowns. The Seawolves average 337 yards of offense per game, 201 through the air.
While the school is unfamiliar to UND, one of its most famous athletes is well known in these parts. Twins' closer Joe Nathan played baseball for Stony Brook.
Two UND players received Great West Conference honors Sunday. Running back Mitch Sutton was the league's offensive player of the week after rushing for 190 yards. He scored three touchdowns.
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Broc Bellmore was the Great West special teams player of the week. The sophomore from West Fargo, N.D., blocked two extra-point attempts by the Coyotes.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
