BROOKINGS, S.D. — North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton rocked-and-rolled Saturday night at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in a rivalry game played for a 75-pound, rock-like rivalry trophy.

Payton rushed for three touchdowns in the first half to help lead the top-ranked Bison to a 24-point halftime lead. That swift start sparked NDSU to a 38-7 victory against No. 2-ranked South Dakota State in Missouri Valley Football Conference play for the Dakota Marker before a stadium-record 19,477 fans.

“It means the world," said Payton during his ESPNU postgame interview. "That’s a great football team and we came out swinging. ... That was just such a fun time.”

The Bison (8-0, 5-0 MVFC) have won three consecutive games against SDSU (7-1, 3-1), including the past two games played for the Dakota Mar

See Full Page