5 things you might've missed in UND's 42-21 win over Long Island

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Aug. 28—GRAND FORKS — UND's 2026 season opener started with a dominant first half, followed by a sleepy second half as the Fighting Hawks built a 42-0 lead and beat Long Island University 42-21 in front of 10,344 fans at the Alerus Center.

Here are five things you might not have noticed during the game.

UND wide receiver Sam Strandell, a two-time captain from Grand Forks Central, hauled in one of the most impressive catches in recent history.

Late in the first half, already holding a 36-0 lead, UND went with a flea-flicker. Jerry Kaminski threw deep to Strandell, who was think in coverage from LIU.

Strandell dove for the catch and hauled it in, coming down right at the goal line. Officials ruled the play down at the 1 and Matt Lawson punched in the score on the next play.

"That was unbelievable," Kaminski said. "The thing about Sam is he's making those catches in practice. He's the first guy in, last guy out. It's a guy you trust, a guy that you want to be around, and so it's easy to give opportunities to those guys. You expect him to capitalize on it. When Sam comes to the sideline, everyone is around him. I think that really speaks to Sam's character."

UND nickel Jonnie Wiltshire, who's seeking a fifth season of eligibility, was able to play against Long Island due to the temporary restraining order he was granted in Grand Forks County District Court.

Wiltshire made his presence felt with a second-quarter interception. The diving interception was reviewed as Wiltshire collected the ball near the turf but the play was upheld.

Wiltshire struggled to secure interceptions in UND's 2025 season opener against Kansas State, and UND head coach Eric Schmidt said Wiltshire received some jokes about the dynamic after the play.

"Jonny Wiltshire is a football player," Schmidt said. "That's just what he is. Like, he loves football. He plays it with the right type of intensity, the right type of passion. He has a starving mindset. You have all these things that are going on in your life as a young person, and you think you're bulletproof a lot of times. His maturity, because of what's happened … I think you get to that age where time's not your friend anymore when it comes to your football life. And you appreciate things a little bit more. You start to appreciate the guys in the locker room a little bit more. You start to appreciate the person washing your socks every day. You appreciate the people making your meals … because you know it's coming to an end here. It's not going to happen for the rest of his life. He's got an attitude of gratitude. When the lights go on, he's a junkyard dog, man."

UND edge Braden Mohr has missed almost two full seasons in back-to-back years with injuries.

Mohr played extensively against LIU, ending with 1.5 sacks. He was also impactful on Wiltshire's interception when Mohr applied pressure on the quarterback and hit Ethan Greenwood as he delivered the errant pass.

"It's just special," Mohr said. "It's so fun to be out there. I've had limited opportunities to play in the Alerus Center because of a few injuries in the years past. I just think this place is amazing. It's just so fun to play here and have that opportunity to be with all the guys around me."

UND struggled in the second half with backups on the field. However, the reasoning behind sitting out the starters resulted in the desired outcome — health.

"I just talked to (UND's training staff), and he's like I don't think there was anything," Schmidt said. "I think everybody that walked on walked off. That's an important piece.

"When you have a big lead, you've got to protect guys because they're starving to go out there and get better. We want to make sure that we're doing what's right for our football team here to be successful throughout the entire season."

UND's kicking game remains a question mark this season.

Punter Luke Silvernale won the kicking competition at fall camp.

However, Silvernale had one attempt against LIU. His 37-yard attempt late in the third quarter was wide right.

"We have to kick it better," Schmidt said.

Silvernale did handle the punting duties well. He hit two for an average of 51 yards including a 56-yarder.

Bonus note: Brian Lee Rivers, UND football's long-time public address announcer, took part in his 200th career game in the 2026 opener. Rivers has called UND games across 33 years, receiving his start during the 1993 season.

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