CHARLESTON, S.C. — Cole Payton waited a half-decade for this opportunity.

The North Dakota State fifth-year senior delivered Saturday.

Payton had nearly 300 yards from scrimmage in his first career collegiate start. His performance helped spark the No. 1-ranked Bison to a 38-0 victory against The Citadel in nonconference Division FCS play before 10,691 fans at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

“I really like how decisive Cole Payton was," Bison head coach Tim Polasek said on his postgame television interview on WDAY. “I think he played well.”

The Bison (1-0) improved to 91-32-6 in season-opening games.

Both teams struggled to find their footing early in the game, which started with rainy and windy conditions. The precipitation subsided in the second quarter and NDSU started rolling.

Payton str

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