North Dakota State’s Statement Win Extends Perfect Season, Ends Historic Home Streak
Brookings, S.D. – October 24, 2025
In a game billed as one of the most anticipated matchups of this year’s FCS football season, top-ranked North Dakota State delivered a statement performance that left no doubt about their championship credentials. The Bison dismantled No. 2 South Dakota State 38-7 before a stadium-record crowd of 19,477 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, claiming their second consecutive Dakota Marker Trophy and cementing their status as the nation’s premier FCS program.
Payton’s Career Night Powers Bison
Fifth-year senior quarterback Cole Payton orchestrated a masterful offensive display that will be remembered as one of the finest performances in this storied rivalry. Payton rushed for a career-high 131 yards and four touchdowns while completing 18 of 23 passes for 243 yards, accounting for 374 total yards in a performance that showcased his dual-threat capabilities.
The Bison signal-caller was nearly flawless in the opening half, setting the tone for what would become a dominant victory. Payton completed 14 of 16 passes for 200 yards in the first half while rushing for 80 yards and three touchdowns on 12 attempts, leaving the Jackrabbits’ defense searching for answers.
His most spectacular moments came on back-to-back touchdown runs that exemplified his explosive playmaking ability. Payton scored on a 57-yard touchdown run to give NDSU a 28-7 lead with 2:38 remaining in the second quarter, then capped his performance with a 47-yard touchdown dash in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach at 38-7.
“It means the world,” Payton said in his ESPNU postgame interview. “That’s a great football team and we came out swinging. That was just such a fun time.”
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
North Dakota State established control from the opening kickoff, imposing their will on both sides of the ball. The Bison defense forced three consecutive three-and-outs on South Dakota State’s first three possessions, stifling the Jackrabbits’ offense before it could find any rhythm.
Meanwhile, the NDSU offense was methodical and explosive in equal measure. The opening drive consumed nine minutes and spanned 16 plays covering 84 yards, with Payton going 4-of-4 passing for 42 yards while the offense rushed for 52 yards, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Payton.
The Bison scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, building a commanding 21-0 lead before South Dakota State could even register a first down. By halftime, NDSU had amassed 345 yards on 45 plays compared to just 56 yards on 21 plays for the Jackrabbits.
A 43-yard field goal by kicker Eli Ozick as time expired in the first half gave the Bison a 31-7 advantage, effectively ending any hopes of a Jackrabbits comeback.
Lance Shines as Top Receiving Threat
While Payton commanded the spotlight, senior wide receiver Bryce Lance proved to be an invaluable weapon in the passing game. Lance finished with five catches for 103 yards in the first half, consistently beating man coverage and converting crucial third-down opportunities that kept drives alive.
Lance’s ability to win one-on-one matchups and his chemistry with Payton were on full display, with several clutch receptions that extended scoring drives. His performance reinforced his reputation as one of the premier receivers in the FCS and a player capable of changing games with his big-play ability.
Defense Dominates Backup Quarterback
The Bison defense took advantage of South Dakota State’s quarterback situation, as the Jackrabbits were forced to start redshirt freshman Luke Marble in place of injured starter Chase Mason. Marble made his first career start after Mason was ruled out with an injury in the pregame.
NDSU’s defensive front was relentless throughout the evening. The Bison defense forced six total punts while allowing just 43 rushing yards, completely neutralizing South Dakota State’s ground game. NDSU finished with a 500-166 advantage in total offense and controlled possession for 38 minutes.
The Jackrabbits’ lone touchdown came on a trick play early in the second quarter, temporarily cutting the deficit to 21-7, but it proved to be merely a brief interruption in NDSU’s dominance.
Historic Streaks and Milestones
The victory carried significant historical weight beyond the rivalry implications. NDSU ended South Dakota State’s 33-game home winning streak, which was the fourth-longest in FCS history. The Jackrabbits had not lost at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium since 2021, making the Bison’s road victory all the more impressive.
The 31-point margin of victory was the largest in the series since NDSU’s 47-10 win in 1992, showcasing just how dominant the Bison were on this particular night.
North Dakota State has now defeated the Jackrabbits in each of the last three meetings, claiming consecutive Dakota Marker trophies. This marks a significant shift in the rivalry’s recent trajectory, as South Dakota State had won five consecutive games against NDSU before last season.
Perfect Season Continues
With the victory, the Bison improved to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, remaining the only undefeated team in the conference. NDSU has outscored opponents by a combined margin that reflects their dominance, with the defense allowing minimal points while the offense has been explosive and efficient.
As defending FCS national champions, the Bison have shown no signs of complacency or regression. Head coach Tim Polasek, in his second season at the helm, has the program firing on all cylinders at the perfect time.
“We’re going to continue to try to strive and reach our full potential,” Payton said after the game. “The cool thing about it is our best game is still out there.”
Road Ahead
The Bison face a manageable schedule over the next three weeks, with home games against Youngstown State, Northern Iowa, and St. Thomas before a crucial road trip to face North Dakota in what could determine the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship.
For South Dakota State, the Jackrabbits fell to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play, suffering their first setback of the season. While the loss stings, SDSU remains in contention for a playoff berth and will look to regroup as they await the return of starting quarterback Chase Mason.
The Bigger Picture
This marked the tenth time in FCS history that the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams have faced each other, with NDSU having participated in five of the last six such matchups. The Bison’s dominance in these high-profile games continues to cement their legacy as the FCS’s premier program.
With 10 national championships in a 14-year span from 2011 to 2024, North Dakota State has established a dynasty unmatched in modern college football at any level. Saturday night’s performance suggested that an 11th title may well be on the horizon.
As the Bison celebrated with the Dakota Marker Trophy amid a rapidly emptying stadium, the message was clear: North Dakota State remains the standard-bearer in FCS football, and anyone hoping to dethrone them will need a near-perfect performance to do so.
The Bison will return home next Saturday to host Youngstown State at the Fargodome, while South Dakota State will look to bounce back when they host Indiana State.