BEMIDJI , Minn. - Concordia-St. Paul (0-6 NSIC, 0-1 North) opened NSIC North Division play on sunny, warm fall afternoon day at Chet Anderson Stadium, falling 44-0 at Bemidji State (4-2 NSIC, 2-0 North).

Junior linebacker Andrew Egnarski produced 19 tackles, falling one shy of the single-game team record and tying former CSP linebacker Gabe Nkumu for second-most in a game in program history. He had 13 solo stops and a half tackle for loss. He shattered his previous career-high of 11 tackles set in 2021 when he was the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week against Upper Iowa following a week two win.

The offense was led by a 100-yard day from sophomore running back Jaylin Richardson, who tallied 84 yards on 16 carries and added a catch for 16 yards. Junior wide receiver Nathan Gimza added four catches for 76 yards including a long of 37 yards.

Concordia remained in the game throughout the first half, with BSU breaking a scoreless tie with 24 seconds left in the first quarter. The game remained within reach at the half, as CSP trailed 13-0 with defensive tackle Koffi Gbekle adding a blocked PAT to provide some momentum for the Golden Bears.

At the half, while BSU was 7-of-9 on third downs, the Golden Bears were able to come up with a pair of fourth down stops to keep the contest within reach.

In the third quarter, the hosts started to compile momentum, however, producing a pair of scores with a field goal and a touchdown to expand the lead to 23-0 heading into the final quarter, when BSU pulled away.

BSU was able to pile up 35 first downs on 552 yards of total offense including 328 through the air and 224 on the ground while converting 13-of-17 on third down. They were 6-of-7 in the red zone, producing five touchdowns and a field goal.

Concordia put up 236 yards of offense including a 100-yard team rushing day on 4.4 per carry (23-101). CSP also utilized strong kick return performances from Jaire Moore (3-72, long 46) and Gayflor Flomo (4-64) to aid in the field position game, but went 0-for-2 in the red zone.

CSP's defense also picked up a pass breakup by freshman Zantavious Graham and a batted ball by Gbekle while defensive end Javon Jones secured a sack among CSP's five team tackles for loss.

The shutout loss was CSP's first time being shutout since the 2016 in a 38-0 loss to Winona State, breaking a streak of 49 consecutive games without being shutout.

Concordia will return home next Saturday to face Minnesota Duluth (4-2 NSIC, 2-0 North) at noon at Sea Foam Stadium.