FARGO, N.D.--No. 25-ranked North Dakota State University's 44-0 shutout of the University of Northern Colorado before 10,809 fans at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 5, featured a little bit of everything. The Bison improved to 28-1-2 all-time in the Harvest Bowl games, but more importantly pulled even at 2-2 in the Great West Football Conference.

North Dakota State (6-3, 2-2 GWFC) offense rolled up a season-high 501 yards of total offense including 284 yards and five TDs on the ground and the defense held UNC to 22 yards rushing -- the lowest since South Dakota State rushed 23 times for 11 yards against the Bison on Sept. 27, 2003. It was the widest margin of victory for NDSU in the UNC series since 1984 when the Bison won 62-14 in Fargo.

NDSU junior halfback Kyle Steffes rushed 18 times for 63 yards and a season-high three TDs. Steffes moved to No. 7 all-time on the Bison rushing charts with 2,496 career yards. He passed former quarterback Kevin Feeney (2,473 yards, 1995-98). Cinque Chapman reached 100 yards for the second time in his career, churning for 107 yards on 20 carries and a score. Chapman rushed for 105 yards in the 2004 season finale at UC Davis.

North Dakota State running game opened the passing lanes. Harvest Bowl MVP quarterback Steve Walker completed 14 of 18 passes for 218 yards, an interception and a 57-yard scoring strike to tight end AJ Cooper. Walker also scored on 5 yard scoring run. With three catches for 115 yards, Cooper was one of eight receivers to catch a pass against the Bears. Kole Heckendorf caught four passes for 39 yards.

Marques Johnson also made three receptions for 21 yards and moved to No. 5 all-time at NDSU in receiving yards. Johnson has 1,508 career yards and passed Eric Nelson, who finished with 1,503.

The Bison recorded their first blocked punt since the 2003 season to open the scoring only 1:13 into the game when Barry Quickstad bolted through to stuff Ramon Mendoza's kick. The ball rolled out of the end zone for a safety.

Quickstad's block was one of many alert defensive plays turned in by North Dakota State's defense, which held the Bears to only 172 yards of total offense to post its second shutout of the season. UNC entered the game averaging 29 points and 397 yards of total offense per game.

NDSU senior cornerback Bobby Babich came up with his team-leading third interception of the season. Linebacker Mike Maresh finished with a pair of sacks, while defensive ends Isaac LaVant, Alvin Robinson and Joe Lardinois each had one. Linebacker Joe Mays and LaVant each had a pair of quarterback hurries. Defensive backs Scott Walter, Nick Schommer and Babich also added key pass breakups.

Northern Colorado quarterback Nick Hager completed 15 of 26 passes for 150 yards and an interception. Hager had one of his passes batted back to him by Lavant in the third quarter for a Hager to Hager connection. Andy Birkel caught six passes for 87 yards, while Jahir Waterman rushed 14 times for 26 yards.

UNC's defense was led by Jake Duren with 16 tackles, while Buchanan award candidate Reed Doughty had 13 including eight solo tackles.

North Dakota State is scheduled to host South Dakota State (5-4, 2-1 GWFC) at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Fargodome in the battle for the "Dakota Marker". The Jackrabbits blasted Southern Utah 55-7 in Brookings on Saturday.