UND's bye week couldn't come at a better time.
After UND's 42-9 win against Montana Western on Saturday, the Sioux welcomed the break to help heal some injuries. The Sioux won't play again until they meet Cal Poly on Oct. 22.
UND lost two more players against Montana Western -- offensive lineman Emmett Lynch and backup linebacker Myles Jablonski.
Lynch sprained an ankle while Jablonski suffered an elbow injury.
UND coach Chris Mussman said it appeared that Lynch's sprain wasn't severe.
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But Mussman said the Sioux likely will play the rest of the season without senior defensive lineman Broc Bellmore, who was injured at Southern Utah.
"We probably won't see him the rest of the year," Mussman said. "And that hurts quite a bit. We now have to develop depth on the defensive line. And you saw a lot of guys out there (on the line).
"Some guys will have to take more reps. We can't coddle guys because they may get tired."
Bellmore had a knack of blocking kicks. He has seven in his career.
The Sioux also played without tailback Mitch Sutton for the third straight week. Sutton pulled a hamstring at Fresno State.
A flashback
Justin Belotti was a member of the 2009 Sioux football team, the one that lost a home game to the University of Sioux Falls -- an NAIA program at the time.
The senior safety came up big against Montana Western when he recovered a fumbled punt that led to a second-quarter score for the Sioux.
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UND's slow start, however, did rekindle the memory of the Sioux home loss to Sioux Falls.
"Of course that was in the back of our minds," Belotti said of the 28-13 loss. "And will be in the back of our minds until we put that to rest."
Sioux Falls -- now a Division II program -- will play at UND on Nov. 5.
More yards
UND's Jake Miller produced his fourth straight 100-yard rushing game. He finished with 152 yards on 20 carries.
Since taking over for Sutton, the true sophomore from Bismarck has become the top running back in the Great West Conference.
"Jake is getting better and better every week," Mussman said.
Miller has rushed for 695 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
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"It feels good when you put in the hard work and time during the week and come out and execute like you want to," Miller said.
Notes and quotes
- Mussman on Montana Western: "I told their coach after the game that they got after us. They came in and had a good game plan. And their kids bought into it."
- The Sioux blocked another kick Saturday. Shea Walker blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt by Yim Sribenjakul in the first quarter. It was the sixth blocked kick of the season. The Sioux lead the FCS in blocked kicks.
- UND's running game averaged 6.1 yards per carry.
- Erik Mersereau on the season so far: "We won all the games we were supposed to win and fought our hearts out against the two FBS programs (Idaho, Fresno State) we played."
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
