North Dakota State Athletics
2-0 , 0-0
Tennessee State
1-1 , 0-0
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota St. | 17 | 28 | 7 | 7 | 59 |
| Tennessee St. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
North Dakota State Rolls Past Tennessee State, 59-3
9/6/2025 6:10:00 PM | Football
NDSU running back Barika Kpeenu scored three first-half touchdowns and finished with a team-high 10 carries and 57 yards on the ground for the Bison, who improved to 2-0 heading into next Saturday's home opener against Southeast Missouri State.
The Bison defense had eight tackles for loss including one sack by defensive end Toby Anene. He added another quarterback hurry that led to an interception by linebacker Donovan Woolen, whose 34-yard touchdown return helped the Bison build a 45-0 lead before halftime.
NDSU held Tennessee State to four first downs – all in the final quarter-and-a-half.
Defensive tackle Zach Vanderpool and defensive end Chance Symons led the Bison with four tackles apiece. Vanderpool had a forced fumble that was recovered by safety Taylen Eady.
Nine different receivers caught passes for NDSU led by RaJa Nelson, Bryce Lance and Finn Diggins with three receptions each. Quarterback Cole Payton was 13 of 16 passing for 166 yards and one touchdown.
Team Stats
NDS 7, TSU 0
NDS - Kpeenu,Barika 10 yd run (Ozick,Eli kick), 9 plays, 71 yards, TOP 05:24
NDS 14, TSU 0
NDS - Kpeenu,Barika 4 yd run (Ozick,Eli kick), 4 plays, 20 yards, TOP 01:55
NDS 17, TSU 0
NDS - Ozick,Eli 22 yd field goal 9 plays, 38 yards, TOP 03:39
NDS 24, TSU 0
NDS - Kpeenu,Barika 6 yd run (Ozick,Eli kick), 5 plays, 33 yards, TOP 02:04
NDS 31, TSU 0
NDS - Scott,DJ 5 yd run (Ozick,Eli kick), 2 plays, 46 yards, TOP 00:50
NDS 38, TSU 0
NDS - Woolen,Donovan 34 yd interception (Ozick,Eli kick)
NDS 45, TSU 0
NDS - Nelson,RaJa 3 yd pass from Payton,Cole (Ozick,Eli kick) 8 plays, 67 yards, TOP 05:32
NDS 52, TSU 0
NDS - Collins,Mekhi 68 yd pass from Hayes,Nathan (Ozick,Eli kick) 5 plays, 82 yards, TOP 02:56
NDS 59, TSU 0
NDS - Mitchell,Myles 2 yd run (Klein,Drew kick), 5 plays, 49 yards, TOP 02:45
NDS 59, TSU 3
TSU - Perez,Freddy 45 yd field goal 7 plays, 48 yards, TOP 04:22
