FARGO, N.D.--Cory Vartanian kicked three field goals of more than 25 yards, and Graig Gorder threw two touchdown passes and plunged in for another to lead North Dakota State University to a 37-20 triumph over Minnesota State University-Mankato in North Central Conference football Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Fargodome before a crowd of 8,541 on Homecoming/Hall of Fame Day.

North Dakota State claimed its first NCC win of the season, snapped a four-game losing streak, and extended MSU-Mankato's losing skid to six games.

Gorder, the senior signal-caller from Long Lake, Minn., threw an 82-yard strike to Marques Johnson to cap a two-play drive and put NDSU (2-4, 1-3 NCC) up 7-0 late in the first quarter after the extra point by Vartanian.

A 3-yard run by junior tailback Darrin O'Leary capped an eight-play, 72-yard drive midway through the second quarter and held up as the game-winning score as the Bison went up 14-0.

MSU-Mankato's Dan Weldon caught a 10-yard pass from Andrew Shea to pull the Mavericks (1-6, 0-4 NCC) within 14-7, but that was as close as MSUM would get.

Freshman Bison linebacker Jayd Kittelson had a team-high eight tackles, but more importantly two fumble recoveries that led to a Bison touchdown and field goal in the third quarter.

Vartanian booted 32-, 26- and 27-yard field goals, and Gorder sneaked in from the MSUM 1 to extend the Bison lead to 30-7.

The Mavs did threaten in the fourth quarter, however. Jared Ziemke blocked a John Bonicelli punt from the 18 into the Bison end zone, and Mankato's Jordan Malone recovered for a touchdown as the Mavs pulled within 30-13 after three periods.

Shaun Fonoimoana hauled in an 80-yard TD pass from Shea and Adam Schotzko kicked the point after, narrowing the gap to 30-20.

Travis White caught a 29-yard score from Gorder and Vartanian converted the PAT kick for the final margin.

NDSU outgained Mankato 174-65 on the ground despite the Mavs' 336-330 advantage in total offense. MSUM threw for 271 yards on 22 of 44 passing by the senior Shea. Gorder was just 7 of 19 for NDSU for 156 yards.

NDSU's Rod Malone led all carriers with 78 rushing yards in 26 tries, and Mankato's Bobby Ruffin followed with 47 yards on 10 attempts. O'Leary rushed 13 times and finished with 44 yards.

The Bison return to action on Saturday, Oct. 26, against South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D.