Box Score FARGO, N.D.--
Kyle Steffes rushed for a career-high 175 yards and four touchdowns, and the defense posted its first opening game shutout since 1974 as North Dakota State University blanked Valparaiso University 52-0 before a record crowd of 18,665 on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Fargodome.
In its first NCAA Division I-AA game, North Dakota State didn't allow Valpo past its own 49-yard line during the contest. The Bison recorded their 29th shutout in an opening game and the first since 1974 when NDSU defeated Nebraska-Omaha 3-0.
The Bison rumbled past the Crusaders before a record home opener crowd. The previous Fargodome home opener record was 18,059 against Pittsburg State in the first-ever game played at the dome, and also topped the previous home opener record of 18,500 that witnessed the Northern Michigan game at Dacotah Field in 1989.
Steffes, a 5-foot-11 sophomore from Dickinson, N.D., logged his third career 100-yard game against Valpo. His previous career-best was 140 yards on 23 carries against Nebraska-Omaha last season. He scored a total of three TDs all of an injury-shortened 2003 campaign. Steffes scored on runs of 43, 14, 34 and two yards.
North Dakota State scored on seven of its first eight possessions and held a commanding 486-180 edge in total offense including 353 rushing yards.
Along with Steffes,
Cinque Chapman gained 73 yards on 10 carries,
Shamen Washington rushed for 67 yards on nine totes, and
Mark Moore rushed for 57 yards on eight carries. Washington returned six punts for 98 yards, including a long of 37.
Senior quarterback
Tony Stauss completed eight of 17 passes for 112 yards, an 11-yard TD pass to
Travis White, a 4-yard TD toss to
Marques Johnson and one interception, while
Steve Walker was 2 of 2 for 21 yards and a 10-yard TD pass to
A.J. Cooper. Stauss moved up to No. 4 all-time in completions with 228.
The North Dakota State defense disrupted Valparaiso's offense throughout the contest.
Craig Dahl,
Brian Erenberg and
Rob Mamula each recorded pass interceptions, while
Jayd Kittelson,
Isaac Snell,
Kole Zimmerman and Dahl all contributed a sack.
Bobby Babich had two pass breakups in the contest.
Cory Vartanian knocked home seven PATs and also nailed a 43-yard field goal in helping the Bison post a 38-0 halftime lead.
North Dakota State (1-0) is scheduled to play Northern Colorado in the Great West Fotball Conference opener at 3:10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Nottingham Field in Greeley, Colo.
