Backup QB Graetz fuels UMD football’s first win, Olson a hopeful for Saturday

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) football team waltzed to a nice 31-21 season opening victory last Thursday over Southwest Minnesota State University behind backup quarterback Logan Graetz.

Coming in relief for an injured Garrett Olson in the first quarter, he would complete 16 of 24 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns at Malosky Stadium.

“It all came down to just experience,” Graetz said. “I was able to get some experience last year after John [Larson] got hurt so I’d say that played a big role. I was confident, these guys were on me, trusting me from last year. I was ready to go.”

A sophomore this year Graetz joined the Bulldogs last season after one season at North Dakota State University. His performance in week one didn’t slip past UMD head coach Curt Wiese.

“Logan faced some adversity throughout fall camp not being not named the starting quarterback,” Wiese shared. “I was very proud of the way that he handled things not having his head down on Thursday night, preparing like he was going to play, and six plays into the game he was our starting quarterback.”

Wiese added that fifth year starting quarterback Olson is making a speedy recovery and hopes he’ll play this Saturday. He did not specify the nature of his injury.

UMD is set to visit Minnesota State University-Mankato with kickoff at 6 p.m.