Drew Klein made a school-record 56-yard field goal with 1:58 remaining at Air Force. North Dakota State won 38-32, with Jackson Williams also supplying a 40-yard punt return that set up a two-play touchdown drive. Klein made all five extra points and sent all seven kickoffs for touchbacks. The Bison got points and field position from plays that can disappear into a recap when the offense scores five touchdowns.
Those exchanges deserve your attention again at Sacramento State on Saturday, September 19, at 9:30 p.m. Central on ESPN. NDSU has a 70.6% chance to win. Sacramento State freshman Chakai Scott blocked punts in each of the Hornets’ first two games, setting up a field goal at Eastern Michigan and a touchdown against Mississippi Valley State. Getting the punt away cleanly would deny Sacramento State a demonstrated route to scoring opportunities.
NDSU enters 3-0, while Sacramento State is 1-2. There are immediate postseason rewards available. NDSU’s updated eligibility guidance confirms that the Bison can play in the Mountain West championship game, bowls and the College Football Playoff this season. The old two-year prohibition no longer applies. Fan Watch gives NDSU a 62.2% chance to reach the conference championship game, though Saturday’s nonconference matchup awards no Mountain West win.
The offense gives fans good reason to expect another road victory. Nathan Hayes is a fifth-year player in his first season as NDSU’s starting quarterback. At Air Force, he threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, ran for another touchdown and took no sacks, although he threw an interception. That is encouraging production from a new starter against conference opposition; Saturday offers another chance to pair productive passing with protection and fewer mistakes.
Hayes also had useful help beyond the starting skill players. Myles Mitchell ran for 61 yards and two touchdowns, while Mekhi Collins caught a 44-yard touchdown. Mitchell and Collins showed NDSU can turn to its reserves for touchdowns even in a close road game.
The defense left more to fix. NDSU led Air Force 35-13 before winning by six. Air Force’s fourth-quarter touchdown possessions included drives of 14 plays for 73 yards and 13 plays for 80 yards. Watch for the Bison to end those extended possessions before the end zone. After the game, Tim Polasek said the first quarter helped his players settle in and stay on the attack. Fans can want that same assertive start while also asking the defense to make it hold up late.
Season forecasts · Methodology
In Sacramento, give the punt-protection unit an extra look. Account for Scott, hold the blocks and make the Hornets begin their next possession without a gift.