BROOKINGS, S.D. — Cole Payton accounted for 380 yards and four touchdown runs to lead undefeated North Dakota State to a 38-7 victory over previously-unbeaten South Dakota State on Saturday night for its second straight Dakota Marker trophy.

The FCS defending national champion and top-ranked Bison (8-0, 5-0 Missouri Valley Football Conference) snapped a two-game skid at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium for its first win there since 2019. The Bison have also won three straight against second-ranked South Dakota State (7-1, 3-1), including a 28-21 win at home in last season's NCAA semifinal matchup.

It was just the 10th matchup of No. 1 vs. 2 in FCS history, but only the fourth time it has happened in the regular season.

Payton scored twice from short yardage and had a 57-yard TD run as the Bison

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