North Dakota St. beats Air Force 38-32, win first Mountain West Conference game

Air Force Academy, Colorado (AP) — Nathan Hayes, quarterback for North Dakota State, contributed significantly to the Bison's 38-32 victory over Air Force on Saturday night, marking the Bison's first win in the Mountain West Conference. Hayes threw two touchdown passes and also rushed for a 17-yard score, playing a crucial role in the Bison's first win in the Mountain West Conference.

The Bison, who joined the Mountain West Conference as part of their transition to the FBS, showcased their dominance by winning all 10 FCS national championships from 2011-2025. Hayes connected with Mekhi Collins for a 44-yard touchdown pass with 5:20 remaining in the second quarter and found Logan Conklin for a 41-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.

Myles Mitchell, a standout performer, added to the Bison's lead with a 31-yard run that capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive just over five minutes into the game, extending the Bison's lead to 28-13 with 29 seconds left in the first half. Hayes followed with a 51-yard pass to Jackson Williams, setting up Myles Mitchell's 1-yard touchdown run, making the score 28-13 with 29 seconds remaining in the first half.

North Dakota State's Darius Givance, an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference second-team pick last season, was ejected for targeting with 1:20 left in the game. Air Force safety Cade Paterson was also ejected for a significant hit that resulted in an incomplete pass on the fifth play from scrimmage.

North Dakota State's Drew Klein added to the Bison's impressive night with a 56-yard field goal, their longest in program history. Liam Szarka contributed 103 passing yards and 88 rushing yards, including a 21-yard touchdown on 21 carries for the Falcons, who finished the game 1-1, 0-1.