FARGO, N.D. – No. 1-ranked North Dakota State rolled to a 43-3 victory over North Carolina A&T in the 33rd annual Trees Bowl game Saturday, Sept. 10, before a crowd of 16,269 at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.
North Dakota State (2-0) opened the game with a four-play scoring drive capped by a 40-yard touchdown pass from Cam Miller to Zach Mathis. North Carolina A&T (0-2) got a 38-yard field goal on the ensuing possession for its only points.
NDSU scored 21 points off turnovers including a 79-yard fumble return touchdown in the third quarter by Dawson Weber, which tied the school record set in 1925 by Claudie Miller. Bison defensive tackle Jaxon Duttenhefer forced the fumble.
Linebacker James Kaczor made his first career interception and returned it to the 1-yard line to set up a TD run by fullback Hunter Luepke on the next play. Luepke also had a 15-yard touchdown reception four plays after a strip sack by Spencer Waege that was recovered by fellow defensive end Tony Pierce.
Ten different ball carriers combined to rush for 149 yards with backup quarterback Cole Payton leading the way with four carries for 41 yards. Barika Kpeenu had a team-high five carries.
Starting quarterback Cam Miller completed 7 of 12 passing attempts for 102 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Nine different receivers caught passes with Luepke and wide receiver Braylon Henderson each making two catches.
Bhayshul Tuten carried 24 times for 127 yards to lead North Carolina A&T, and linebacker Tyquan King made a team-high nine tackles.
NDSU linebacker Logan Kopp made a team-high seven tackles, Kaczor and cornerback Marques Sigle each had five stops, and Waege finished with three solo tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and quarterback hurry.
North Dakota State will be on the road to face Arizona next Saturday, Sept. 17. The game will be televised live on Fox Sports 1 beginning at 10 p.m. CDT.
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