In a dominant performance, No. 1-ranked North Dakota State defeated 14th-ranked Missouri State with a score of 59-21 in the annual Harvest Bowl game. North Dakota State improved to 10-1 overall and 7-0 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, clinching at least a share of its 11th league title. Missouri State, with an 8-3 overall record, will be moving to Conference USA next year.
North Dakota State’s Barika Kpeenu rushed for a career-high 169 yards and two touchdowns, while CharMar Brown added 113 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a total rushing yardage of 364 for the team. Quarterback Cam Miller threw for four touchdowns, leading the Bison to a total of 575 yards compared to Missouri State’s 382 yards.
In addition to the offensive prowess, North Dakota State’s defense held Missouri State to a season-low 21 points, recording six sacks, forcing four fumbles, and making two recoveries. Kicker Griffin Crosa set a school record with 404 points scored, breaking the previous record of 399 points.
The victory secured North Dakota State’s position as a top contender in the conference, with a chance to win the league outright next week against South Dakota. The team’s strong performance on both offense and defense highlighted their dominance in the game, setting a high standard for the remainder of the season.
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Photo credit gobison.com
