MNU Falls to Sioux Falls

Jake Duren's 20 tackles weren't enough for the Pioneers, as the number one team in the nation, Sioux Falls, defeated MNU 38-0.  QB Sean Ransburg returned for the game but the Pioneers were never able to get anything going on offense, and that led to short fields for USF to take advantage of.  MNU trailed 17-0 at halftime, but had hope getting the ball first to start the second half.  However on the first play from scrimmage MNU fumbled and gave USF 20 yards to score.  The game was all but over after that, and the Pioneers were sent home with their first loss, one game short of the national championship.  However they finished 12-1, which was the best in school history and the farthest they've ever made it.

Is this the best MNU team ever?

Riggers Leads Pioneers to National Semis

Sean Ransburg had lead the Pioneers to an 11-0 record, but due to a concussion, wasn't going to be able to contribute in their next game.  Instead, the Pioneers looked to Adam Riggers to run the offense.  And he succeeded.  The 26 year old threw for 4 touchdowns (and was named Offensive MVP), as the Pioneers won 34-10, setting up a bout against the number 1 team in the nation, Sioux Falls (SD).  Sioux Falls Head Coach Jed Stugart lead MNU to a 26-7 record from 2006-2008. 

How amazing was it to see a back-up quarterback lead his team in the playoffs?

Have you ever seen the storylines (who will play QB, former coach) in an NAIA game before?

MNU Defeats Georgetown

The Pioneers looked rusty for the first half of their game against the Georgetown College Tigers, but were able to make a comeback with about 9 minutes left in the game.  MNU trailed 21-10 at halftime, and 24-10 with 9 minutes left in the game.  Sean Ransburg led the offense all the way down the field for a score.  After the defense forces three and out, Georgetown was forced to punt and the ball went over their punters head for a safety, making the score 24-19.  After getting the ball back, Sean Ransburg took over again and scrambled his was eventually to the 1 yard line.  The Pioneers capped that drive off with 6 points and a two point conversion to take the lead 27-24.  Georgetown moved the ball in their two minute drill into field goal range. However, Dantren Anderson was not about to let the game go to overtime, and blocked the attempt to seal the Pioneers fate.

Sean Ransburg was the Offensive MVP with 319 total yards.  Jake Duren was the Defensive MVP with 17 tackles and a sack.  Had the game gone into overtime, Ransburg would not have been able to play due to a concussion.  His status for the Quarterfinals is unkown.