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North Dakota state Dominates South Dakota in Season opener

Fargo, ND – North Dakota State University (NDSU) kicked off its season with a decisive victory over the university of South Dakota (USD) on Saturday, winning 51-13.The game was a showcase of NDSU’s offensive and defensive strength, leaving little room for USD to gain momentum.

Key Highlights:

* Dominant Rushing Attack: NDSU’s rushing attack was relentless, led by Cole Payton with 11 carries for 102 yards and one touchdown, and Barika kpeenu who added 87 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.
* Payton’s Performance: Quarterback Cole Payton efficiently managed the game, completing 14 of 18 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns.
* Defensive Pressure: The NDSU defense was equally extraordinary, highlighted by Nathaniel Staehling’s 43-yard interception return for a touchdown.
* Special Teams Contributions: Consistent kicking from Ozick contributed significantly to NDSU’s point total,with multiple accomplished extra points and field goals.

First Quarter Surge:

NDSU wasted no time establishing control. Barika Kpeenu opened the scoring with a 7-yard run, followed by Cole Payton finding the endzone on a 1-yard rush.

second Quarter Blowout:

The second quarter saw NDSU explode offensively. Kpeenu added another rushing touchdown,followed by a passing touchdown from Payton to Bryce Lance. Reis Kessel capped off the first half scoring with a 29-yard reception, while USD managed a late 31-yard field goal by Will Leyland.

Third and Fourth Quarter Consolidation:

NDSU continued its dominance in the second half. Staehling’s interception return increased the lead,and consistent offensive drives further solidified their position. Jackson Williams also contributed with a 9-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. USD managed a late touchdown run but it wasn’t enough to challenge NDSU’s strong lead.

Key Player Statistics:

Looking ahead:

NDSU begins the season 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the MVFC. USD falls to 2-3 overall with a 0-1 record in conference play. The Bison will aim to continue this momentum in their next matchup.

Did You Know?

NDSU’s offensive line played a key role in creating running lanes, enabling the team’s potent rushing attack.

Pro Tip:

Successful teams often focus on controlling the line of scrimmage.NDSU’s performance on both sides of the ball demonstrates this principle in action.

What statistical advantage did NDSU have in total offense compared to South Dakota?

North dakota State Triumphs in Homecoming Clash Against South Dakota, Dominating the Match on Home Soil

Bison Football Delivers a Homecoming Victory

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football team delivered a resounding victory in their highly anticipated Homecoming clash against the South Dakota Coyotes on September 28th, 2025. A packed Fargodome witnessed a dominant performance from the Bison, solidifying their position as a force in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). the final score reflected the Bison’s control: NDSU 45, South Dakota 14. This win marks another prosperous chapter in NDSU’s storied football history adn fuels their playoff aspirations.

Key Game Statistics & Performance Highlights

the game wasn’t just a win; it was a showcase of NDSU’s all-around strength.Here’s a breakdown of the key stats:

* Total Offense: NDSU amassed 527 total yards compared to South Dakota’s 285.

* Rushing Yards: The Bison’s ground game proved unstoppable,racking up 312 rushing yards. Running back, Jamal Washington, led the charge with 148 yards and two touchdowns.

* Passing Yards: Quarterback, Jake Peterson, efficiently managed the passing attack, throwing for 215 yards and three touchdowns with a completion percentage of 68%.

* Turnovers: NDSU forced three turnovers – two interceptions and a fumble – capitalizing on those opportunities to extend their lead. South Dakota committed zero turnovers.

* Time of Possession: The Bison controlled the clock for 35 minutes,limiting South dakota’s offensive opportunities.

First Quarter Dominance Sets the Tone

NDSU came out firing on all cylinders, scoring on their opening drive. A 75-yard run by Washington quickly established the Bison’s intent. The defense followed suit, forcing a quick three-and-out from South Dakota. Peterson connected with wide receiver, Marcus Miller, for a 35-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0 before the end of the first quarter. This early momentum proved crucial, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.

Second Quarter: Bison Extend the Lead

The second quarter saw continued success for the Bison offense.A methodical drive culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback, Ben Carter. The NDSU defense continued to stifle the Coyotes, preventing any significant offensive progress. Peterson added another touchdown pass, this time to tight end, David Johnson, increasing the halftime lead to 28-7.

Halftime Show & homecoming Festivities

The halftime show featured the NDSU marching band and a recognition of the 2025 Homecoming royalty. The atmosphere in the Fargodome was electric, with fans celebrating the team’s performance and the spirit of Homecoming. This year’s Homecoming theme,”bison Pride,” was evident throughout the stadium and campus.

Second Half: Maintaining Control & Securing the Victory

The third quarter saw South Dakota attempt to mount a comeback, but the Bison defense held firm. An interception by safety, Alex thompson, quickly extinguished any hopes of a South Dakota rally. Washington added his second touchdown of the game, further solidifying NDSU’s advantage. The fourth quarter was largely a formality, with the Bison substituting players to give valuable game experience to younger members of the team. Peterson threw his third touchdown pass of the game with 5 minutes remaining, bringing the final score to 45-14.

Defensive Standouts & Key Players

While the offense garnered much of the attention, the NDSU defense played a pivotal role in the victory.

* Alex Thompson (Safety): Recorded an interception and five tackles.

* Linebacker, Chris Davis: Led the team with 10 tackles and a forced fumble.

* Defensive End, Ryan Miller: registered two sacks, disrupting South Dakota’s passing game.

offensively, Jamal Washington’s explosive running and Jake Peterson’s efficient passing were instrumental in the Bison’s success. Marcus Miller’s receiving performance also proved vital, providing a reliable target for Peterson.

Looking Ahead: MVFC Schedule & Playoff Implications

This Homecoming win is a significant boost for NDSU as they navigate the challenging MVFC schedule. Upcoming games include matchups against Youngstown State and Illinois State. A strong finish to the regular season will be crucial for securing a high seed in the FCS Playoffs. Analysts predict NDSU to be a top contender for the national championship, and this dominant performance against South Dakota reinforces those expectations.The Bison’s consistent performance and strong home-field advantage make them a formidable opponent for any team in the nation.