Before 2021, Bemidji State had not played in the NCAA Division II football playoffs. Since then, it has been an annual occurrence.
The Beavers, in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, have advanced to the second round in each of those appearances.
Last week, the Beavers defeated Angelo State 24-14 in San Angelo, Texas, to secure a second-round matchup Saturday with Western Colorado, in Gunnison, Colo.
The host Mountaineers (11-1), who have set a program record for victories in a season, defeated Central Washington 28-21 last week at home to advance. The Mountaineers’ only loss this season was 44-34 to Colorado State Pueblo, at home Nov. 2.
It’s the first meeting between the Beavers and Mountaineers.
The Beavers rushed for 231 yards against Angelo State and are averaging 182.1 yards per game on the ground. The Mountaineers are allowing just 86.1 rushing yards and 18.2 points per game.
Here are three other Minnesota college football storylines this week:
Mavericks travel to Colorado
After a dramatic, come-from-behind, 20-19 victory at Augustana in the first round, Minnesota State Mankato will play at Colorado State Pueblo on Saturday.