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CARBONDALE, Ill. - Top-ranked North Dakota State rushed for a season-high 331 yards against the nation's fourth-ranked rushing defense and beat Southern Illinois 31-10 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference before a homecoming crowd of 11,121 at Saluki Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19.

The Bison (7-0, 4-0 MVFC) amassed 205 rushing yards in the third quarter alone, including touchdown runs of 10, 26 and 30 yards by John Crockett, who finished with a career-high 171 yards on 23 carries.

Sam Ojuri added 137 yards for NDSU, which had dual 100-yard rushers for the first time since last November at Illinois State.  The Bison outgained SIU 504 to 227 in total yardage.

North Dakota State, after failing to convert its first four third down tries, got a 55-yard touchdown pass from Brock Jensen to Zach Vraa on third-and-6 after a penalty to pull NDSU within 10-7 with 1:30 left before halftime.

Christian Dudzik had nine solo tackles and Grant Olson made nine tackles including four solos to lead the Bison defense.  NDSU had four sacks and 10 quarterback hurries. Kyle Emanuel was in on two sacks and forced one of three SIU fumbles.

North Dakota State plays Indiana State at 3 p.m. ET next Saturday, Oct. 26.  The Sycamores are 1-6 overall and 0-3 in the MVFC after a 55-14 loss at Illinois State.