Centennial Showdown Looms for BSU Football
Bemidji State University is gearing up to celebrate its centennial football season with a non‑conference showdown against Michigan Tech on Thursday evening. The game, scheduled for 6 p.m. at Chet Anderson Stadium, will be streamed on Midco Sports Plus and aired on WMIS 92.1 FM, giving fans multiple ways to follow the action.
The Beavers and the Huskies have split their recent meetings, with BSU edging a 19‑13 overtime victory two years ago before dropping a 37‑17 decision in Houghton the following season. Last year the BSU defense faltered, surrendering 21 points in the second half and managing only two drives into Husky territory after the break, a trend the coaching staff is eager to reverse.
A key piece of the defensive overhaul is senior nose tackle Nah’Shawn Keith, who missed the previous season with a torn MCL but is now fully cleared to return. His presence, alongside the return of five of the team’s top ten tacklers, is expected to shore up a unit that gave up nearly 400 yards of total offense a year ago.
At quarterback, Bart McAninch has earned the starting role after a period of development that saw his completion percentage climb and his leadership qualities emerge. Head coach Brent Bolte has highlighted McAninch’s progress, noting the sophomore’s improved decision‑making and poise under pressure as vital to the team’s reset after a 4‑7 campaign.
Both programs anticipate a physical, aggressive style of play, mirroring each other’s traditional approach. Coach Bolte expects the matchup to be a litmus test for the Beavers’ revamped defense and a chance for the offense to showcase the strides made by McAninch. With the centennial celebration adding extra pageantry, the stage is set for a competitive contest that could define the tone of the season.