{
  "id": 2811304,
  "title": "4 things to look out for in Bemidji State's home opener against Michigan Tech",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/4-things-to-look-out-for-in-bemidji-states-home-opener-against",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T15:17:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/4-things-look-bemidji-states-151700226.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bemidji State's football team will face Michigan Tech in their home opener on August 27th at Chet Anderson Stadium. The matchup is notable due to the teams' recent close encounters, with BSU winning 19-13 in overtime in 2024 and losing 37-17 in 2025. Michigan Tech, on the other hand, defeated Bemidji State in 2024 and 2025, finishing fourth in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in both years.\n\nKey factors to watch for in the upcoming game include Bemidji State's quarterback situation, with both Zach Romak and Connor Carver having the opportunity to start. Romak, used as a traditional pocket quarterback, and Carver, who excels in the wildcat formation, have proven to be dynamic threats. In contrast, Michigan Tech's quarterback, Alex Bueno, showcased his dual-threat capabilities in last year's game, running for 102 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing significantly as a passer.\n\nAnother crucial aspect to consider is the defensive performance of both teams. Bemidji State's defense has struggled, ranking 11th in the NSIC with an average of 33 points allowed per game. However, the program aims to return to its strong defensive roots under head coach Brent Bolte, with key returners like Caden Bolte and L Shawn Taylor expected to bolster the defense. Conversely, Michigan Tech's defense has historically been stronger, ranking third in the GLIAC last season with only 21.3 points allowed per game. Star linebacker Chase Koch led the team in tackles with 106, making him a significant threat to Bemidji State's offense.\n\nAdditionally, both teams' offenses will have to contend with star linebackers. Bemidji State's Caden Bolte, a captain, led the team in tackles last season, while Michigan Tech's Chase Koch had an exceptional junior season, recording 106 tackles and two interceptions. Lastly, the Beavers' top receivers in 2025, Drayton Lehman and Jake Hill, both graduated, leaving a void that players like Lucas Peterson, Kaleb Miller, and Zavery Guerra must fill. On the other side, Ethan Champney and Nic Nora have been instrumental in Michigan Tech's offense, with Nora particularly being a versatile threat who contributed both through receiving and rushing touchdowns.",
  "summary": "Aug. 23—BEMIDJI — For the third straight year, the Bemidji State football team will kick off its season against the same nonconference opponent. BSU and Michigan Tech will start the season against each other at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Chet Anderson Stadium. The Beavers pulled off a 19-13 overtime victory when the two first faced off in 2024. It initially looked like it was going to be ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Michigan State football 2026 game-by-game predictions: Washington",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/michigan-state-football-2026-game-by-game-predictions-washington",
        "published": "2026-08-23T12:00:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}