North Dakota State’s 38-7 win over South Dakota State was the largest between the rival programs since 1992. Here’s how it happened.
A prime-time, nationally televised rivalry game with the No. 1 ranking on the line.
Oh yes, what more could North Dakota State have wanted to showcase its dominating style of football.
The No. 1-ranked, defending FCS national champion Bison pounded their chests Saturday night as if there won’t be any looking back in the 2025 season, ending second-ranked South Dakota State’s 33-game home winning streak 38-7 in their Dakota Marker rivalry showdown in Brookings.
It marked the Bison’s second consecutive win in the trophy series and their third win over the Jackrabbits in the last two seasons (including a semifinal-round playoff win last December). Their 31-point margin of victory was the largest in the series since SDSU won 47-10 in 1992.
No. 1 North Dakota St (8-0, 5-0 MVFC) 38, No. 2 South Dakota St (7-1, 3-1) 7
How It Happened – Coach Tim Polasek’s Bison rolled to a 31-7 halftime lead, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions while SDSU didn’t even gain a first down on its first three possessions. SDSU played without No. 1 quarterback Chase Mason, who was sidelined in a walking boot, giving the Bison fifth-year senior Cole Payton a huge advantage at the position as the Jackrabbits started redshirt freshman Luke Marble, who struggled.
Game Ball – Payton finished with 380 yards of total offense (243 passing, 137 rushing) and four touchdown runs. It included 280 yards and three TDs in the first half.
“That was huge. That’s a great football team and we came out swinging,” Payton said in an ESPNU interview afterward
Three Key Stats – In the decisive first half, NDSU outgained SDSU 345-56 (the final advantage was 500-166) … The Bison converted a combined 12 of 18 (66.7%) on third- and fourth-down attempts, while SDSU was 3 of 13 (23.1%) … NDSU has played in half of the 10 all-time FCS No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchups – posting a 4-1 record.
The Takeaway – NDSU is the definitive No. 1 – well-deserved and not surprising – but the gap to SDSU probably isn’t as big as it was on this one highly anticipated night across the FCS. The Jackrabbits with a healthy Mason are a more formidable challenge for the Bison.
The History – NDSU leads 68-47-5 all time and 12-10 in the Dakota Marker trophy series.
Upcoming – Both teams have four games remaining in the regular season, including at MVFC unbeaten North Dakota (6-2, 4-0). NDSU: Youngstown State, at North Dakota, Northern Iowa and St. Thomas. SDSU: Indiana State, at South Dakota, Illinois State and at North Dakota.
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NDSU vs. SDSU Game Review: No. 1 Bison Hammer Jackrabbits, Retain Dakota Marker Opta Analyst.
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