North Dakota State opens its FBS era with a 33-7 win over Jacksonville State

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota State kicked off its Football Bowl Subdivision era with a 33-7 victory over Jacksonville State on Saturday. Quarterback Nathan Hayes contributed significantly to the win, throwing two touchdown passes. Hayes completed 14 of 22 passes for 160 yards and an interception. Blake Schiltz, a Bison player, recovered a fumble in the end zone, scoring for North Dakota State.

Drew Klein added field goals from 34, 44, and 42 yards. In the first quarter, Jacksonville State took the lead with a touchdown run by Caden Creel. Hayes extended the Bison's lead to 17-7 by halftime with a 44-yard touchdown pass to Jordan McCants. Later in the third quarter, Schiltz's score increased the Bison's lead to 27-7. Jacksonville State struggled offensively, limiting to 170 yards of offense and 2 successful third-down conversions.

North Dakota State had previously competed in the Football Championship Subdivision for 22 seasons, having been in the Missouri Valley Football Conference for the past 18 years. Jacksonville State's next game is against Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, while North Dakota State hosts Fordham on Saturday.