All-America receiver Greg Hardin played his last game at the Alerus Center on Saturday.
Fittingly, Hardin caught the game-winning touchdown in the waning minutes as UND rallied to beat Northern Colorado 24-21.
Also, Hardin set two more school records, leaving him as one of the greatest receivers in school history.
Hardin caught seven passes for 95 yards. The TD was the 31st of his career.
Hardin broke UND's all-time regular season record for receptions, as he now has 205. He also broke the school's all-time record for overall receiving yards. He now has 3,404 career yards.
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Weston Dressler (2004-07) was the previous record holder in both categories: 199 receptions, 3,382 yards.
Hardin, one of the quieter UND players, deflected much of that attention after the game.
"The records are nice and it's an honor to have those achievements, but I'm just happy to get this win," Hardin said. "This season has not gone like we expected, but this is a nice way to go out at home.
"I've never been set on breaking all the records. I just go out and play the game. It'll probably mean more after the season when you start thinking about what you've done in your career."
Small crowd
The announced attendance at Saturday's game was 5,984.
However, the actual attendance may have been closer to 2,500. The announced attendance takes into account season ticket sales.
It was one of the smallest crowds -- if not the smallest -- to watch UND football in the 13-year history of the Alerus Center.
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UND had lost five previous home games before Saturday's win. UND won its opener against Valparaiso but then lost to South Dakota State before Big Sky powers Montana, Montana State and Eastern Washington steamrolled UND. UND also lost at home to Sacramento State.
The lowest announced attendance in Alerus history came in 2006 when UND beat Winona State in a Division II playoff game before 5,073 fans. But that may have been more of an accurate considering it was a playoff game.
Notes and quotes
UND's career rushing leader Phillip Moore, who now resides in the Twin Cities, was the honorary game captain ... Golladay now has five TD catches in UND's last two games ... In Bartels' last two games, the redshirt freshman QB is 70-for-106 for 711 yards and six touchdowns ... UND did not appear to suffer any serious injuries ... Bartels had considerable success throwing the slant pass to physical receivers Jameer Jackson and Blair Townsend. "We'll win the battle most of the time with those kids," said UND coach Chris Mussman. "And those aren't easy throws to make." ... The final word from UND senior safety Will Lewis: "We haven't had the season we wanted but it really feels good to get this win."
Nelson reports on sports. Call him at (701) 780-1268, (800) 477-6572 ext. 1268 or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
