FARGO, N.D.--Nick Mertens threw two touchdown passes and North Dakota State University overcame a sluggish start to beat Indiana State 34-7 Saturday, Nov. 1, before a crowd of 16,211 in the Fargodome to extend the Sycamores' losing streak to 23 games.

The game was tied 7-7 after one quarter, but it was all NDSU after that. The Bison limited the Sycamores to 19 yards of offense in the second half.

Mertens threw for 82 yards for NDSU (5-4, 3-3 Missouri Valley Football Conference), which has won back-to-back games for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. Mertens tossed a 15-yard TD pass to Alex Belquist in the first half and a 4-yarder to Tyler Jangula early in the fourth quarter. It was the first collegiate touchdown reception for Belquist.

NDSU's offense struggled in the first half before scoring twice in the last 1:20 of the second quarter to go up 20-7. The scoring plays were set up by a Cyrus Lemon interception and John Richardson fumble recovery. The Sycamores (0-9, 0-5) outgained the Bison 124-117 in the first two quarters.

Tyler Roehl ran 20 times for 102 yards, including a 5-yard TD run in the first quarter. Roehl rushed for over 100 yards for the fifth time this season and 11th time in his career. The Bison also received a 5-yard TD run on a Jordan Schultenover reverse in the third quarter.

The Sycamores tied it on a 19-yard run by Antoine Brown with 4:28 remaining in the first quarter. Brown led the Sycamores with 70 yards on 11 carries.

Indiana State, which was outgained 247-143, ran for 103 yards -- 98 which came in the opening half.

North Dakota State's defense was led by Joe Lardinois career-high 11 tackles including three tackles for loss. Linebacker Ramon Humber finished with four tackles for loss. Indiana State hasn't won a conference road game since 2002.

Quinton Scott led the Sycamores with a game-high 16 tackles., while CJ Cook added eight tackles and three pass breakups.

Saturday was the 35th Harvest Bowl. The Bison improved to 31-1-2 in the annual event.