After three noncompetitive nonconference games and a Valley-opening deflation of the University of South Dakota, the Bison are in the midst of a tough conference stretch. The Salukis will bring a high-powered offense to the dome averaging 43.4 points a game, which is seventh in the FCS.

Cole Payton and Barika Kpeenu both scored touchdowns and led a 213-yard rushing performance by North Dakota State in a 33-16 statement win over fellow high-ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference foe Illinois State on Saturday.

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota State football defended its home turf on Saturday, Sept. 27, downing South Dakota, 51-13, to open Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). South Dakota drops to 2-3 (0-1 MVFC) on the season, while North Dakota State improves to 4-0 (1-0 MVFC) with the victory.

The big-time play Niekamp was referring to came early in the fourth quarter. The Bison were locked in a slugfest with the Redbirds, leading 18-16 after ISU quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse hit receiver Daniel Sobkowicz for a three-yard touchdown pass.

For North Dakota State, it was doing whatever it pleased on offense behind a South Dakota defense that took a giant step back after showing progress in the last three games. USD forced zero negative plays on defense, other than a few penalties, and allowed 547 total yards — its most allowed all season.

Here's how former high school football stars across the Omaha metro area and Nebraska are playing at their respective college programs.

It was a successful road trip to say the least as the No. 15 North Dakota Fighting Hawks defeated the Northern Iowa Wildcats 35-7.