The University of Sioux Falls picked up their first win of the season at Minot State University Saturday afternoon, 38-23. The Cougars received contributions from both sides of the ball and special teams to record a season high five touchdowns.

Minot received the ball to begin the game and in their opening drive, the beavers would march 14 plays for 59 yards, picking up four first downs before being stopped deep in USF territory. The Cougars defense held strong to force a 32 yard field goal, where senior corner Angelo Pree got a great jump on the snap and leaped into the backfield to block the beaver attempt.

In their first drive, the Cougars would pick up one first down before the Beavers regained possession, when redshirt-freshman safety Levi Freidt intercepted Hanna's pass with 6:45 left in the first quarter.

On the ensuing drive, redshirt-freshman quarterback Bryce Jorgenson connected with senior receiver Jabari Taylor for a 39 yard reception, to move the Beaver's to the USF 14 yard line. USF's defense held again and three plays later, freshman place kicker Nick Phillips converted a 35 yard field to give Minot their only lead of the game at 3-0.

USF special teams came up big, when junior kicker Braden Wieking pinned the Beavers within their own 10 yard line, following a USF three and out. USF's defense capitalized on Wieking's punt as junior safety Robert Virgil picked off Jorgenson and returned it 18 yards for a Cougar defensive score. USF took the lead 7-3.

USF owned the second quarter, where they held the Beavers to 50 total yards and forced two turnovers to outscore Minot 17-0.

The Cougar defense opened the quarter with a fumble recovery, forced by junior line backer Nick Bonte. USF would turn it into a score, when sophomore quarterback Carrington Hanna found sophomore tightend Spenser Sailors on a slant for a 12 yard touchdown.

After trading possessions, USF put three more points on the board; with a Wieking 33 yard field goal to give the Cougars a 17-3 lead with 6:13 left in the half. Seven plays later, senior safety Michael Frericks picked off Jorgenson's pass and returned it 32 yards to the Minot 28 yard line. His interception marked the Beavers second turnover of the quarter. With one more possession before the half, USF exploited Minot's run defense, calling 8 straight running plays, resulting in a one yard TD run from Hanna. USF entered the half up 24-3.

After the break, USF received the kick and got right back to work. Michael Hicks, who entered the game averaging 26 yards per return, bobbled the kick, but once he regained possession, he took a quick cut left, broke a tackle and out ran the beavers 96 yards for his first touchdown of the season. Hicks return put USF up 31-3.

With 7:54 left in the third quarter, Angelo Pree stepped up again, this time he intercepted Minot quarterback Torgerson's pass. He nearly scored, returning it 54 yards before being tripped up on the six yard line. One play later, Hanna strolled into the end zone on a six yard run for his second rushing touchdown of the game. Minot responded with a 14 play 75 yard drive, leading to a one yard touchdown pass from redshirt-freshman quarter CJ Evans to Taylor.

The Beavers didn't give up and saw some success late, outscoring the Cougars 14-0 in the fourth quarter. Minot cut into the lead, when Evans scored a one yard run, with 10:22 left in the game. The Beavers would score again, this time Taylor caught a 18yard toss from Evans for his second touchdown reception of the game. Taylor's catch concluded the game's scoring.

In his third start, Hanna went 4-11 for 80 yards and one touchdown pass. He also ran the ball eight times for 69 yards and two scores.

The Cougars recorded a season high 196 rushing yards on the day. They were led by junior running back Jordan Taylor, who tallied a season high 85 yards in just one half of play.

Hicks hauled in one reception for 47 yards, while Oates pulled in two passes for 26 yards.

On defense, USF recorded eight tackles for a loss and forced another season high, 5 turnovers (3 interceptions and 2 fumbles). Bonte and junior line backer Matt White each recorded 10 tackles, Bonte finished with two for a loss.

The University of Sioux Fall returns home Saturday Oct. 1 to take on William Jewell University at Bob Young Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 1p.m. Fans can follow the Cougars live on Universal Sports as Oct. 1 marks the 1st of two home games to be televised by KDLT this season.