CFB D2 Game Preview: Bemidji State Beavers (0-0) vs. Michigan Tech Huskies (0-0)

Game Details

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Kearly Stadium

Preview Summary

Michigan Tech hosts Bemidji State in a rematch of last year’s 19–13 overtime thriller in Bemidji. The Beavers aim to carry momentum from a deep playoff run, while the Huskies seek revenge and a strong start to their GLIAC campaign. Expect a physical slog between Bemidji’s bruising ground game and Tech’s balanced spread-run attack.

Season Context

Bemidji State announced a 2025 schedule featuring just one non-conference game before diving into a ten-game NSIC slate, making this Week 0 matchup their lone early test. Michigan Tech revealed an 11-game slate split between five home contests and six road games. The Huskies opened last season with an overtime win in South Dakota Mines and fell 19–13 in OT at Bemidji, fueling a revenge narrative for this opener.

Team Overviews

Bemidji State Beavers

Head Coach: Brent Bolte

2024 Highlight: NCAA quarterfinalists; won Week 0 OT thriller over MTU

Offense: Power-run system led by a veteran backfield and stout offensive line

Defense: Experienced front seven with multiple All-NSIC honorees and a returner-laden secondary

Michigan Tech Huskies

Head Coach: Steve Olson

2024 Recap: Above-.500 GLIAC finish; narrow OT win at South Dakota Mines

Offense: Spread-run concepts built on quick tempo and three returning receivers

Defense: Aggressive front featuring an All-GLIAC linebacker and increased blitz packages

Key Storylines

Revenge Factor: The Huskies seek to avenge last year’s OT loss, while Bemidji aims to prove their quarterfinal pedigree isn’t a fluke.

Trench Warfare: Bemidji’s downhill rushing attack battles Tech’s disciplined gap control; the ground-and-pound duel will set the clock.

Early-Season Rust: Week 0 variables—special teams execution, debuting schemes and cold-weather conditions—could swing momentum.

Tactical Matchups

Bemidji State Rushing vs. Michigan Tech Front: Expect inside-zone and power runs; Tech’s defenders must string plays laterally and tackle downhill.

Michigan Tech Tempo vs. Beaver Secondary: The Huskies’ no-huddle pace tests Bemidji’s communication and tackling in space on quick screens and jet motions.

What to Watch

First-Quarter Trenches: Will Tech’s front force early tackles for loss or does Bemidji establish the run?

Turnover Margin: Last opener’s takeaway swung OT; ball security will be paramount.

Special Teams Impact: A blocked kick or return set-up could decide a low-scoring affair.