FARGO, N.D. — In an impressive display, North Dakota State, ranked first in the FCS, secured a convincing 42-19 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday, highlighted by a standout performance from quarterback Cam Miller.
The match commenced with a bang as TK Marshall returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, showcasing his speed and agility as he navigated through the coverage virtually unchallenged. This early score put the Bison (9-1, 5-0 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference) ahead, establishing a lead they maintained throughout the matchup, marking their ninth consecutive win.
In the second quarter, Miller showcased his passing abilities, connecting with teammates Bryce Lance and Braylon Henderson for touchdown passes that extended the Bison’s lead to 28-3 by halftime. Miller concluded the day with an impressive stat line, completing 17 of 20 passes for 216 yards. Additionally, CharMar Brown made significant contributions on the ground, rushing for 124 yards and scoring once, while Barika Kpeenu added two rushing touchdowns to the tally.
On the other side, Northern Iowa’s quarterback Matthew Schecklman kept his team competitive, completing 22 of 32 throws for 270 yards. He found Sergio Morancy twice in the end zone, who ended with 102 yards receiving, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide in favor of the Panthers (2-7, 0-5).
The Bison’s relentless offense and solid defense proved too much for Northern Iowa, solidifying North Dakota State’s position at the top of the FCS standings. With their sights set on continued success, the Bison remain a formidable force in college football.