North Dakota State Routs UTEP 31-7
The Bison's defense held UTEP to just one early touchdown in a lopsided home win.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Football
North Dakota State defeated UTEP 31-7 on October 31. UTEP, entering with a 1-7 record, managed only a 57-yard touchdown run by quarterback Raymond Moore III after an interception early in the game.
Why it matters
The win keeps North Dakota State, ranked No. 34 in the SP+, on track in its season while UTEP continues to struggle. The result highlights a defensive performance that limited UTEP's offense to 91 passing yards and 147 rushing yards.
North Dakota State allows 12.5 points per game and is ranked No. 34 in the SP+, while UTEP gained 91 passing yards and 147 rushing yards against the Bison defense. UTEP's all-time record stands at 350-606-18.
The players
North Dakota State Bison
The Bison are the Division I football program of North Dakota State University, competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and based in Fargo.
UTEP Miners
The Miners are the football program of the University of Texas at El Paso, which entered the game with a 1-7 record.
The details
UTEP scored its only touchdown on a 57-yard run by Raymond Moore III after North Dakota State quarterback Nathan Hayes threw an interception. Late in the fourth quarter, Marion Moore recovered a fumble by Jaden Smith and returned it for a touchdown that sealed the win at the Fargodome.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: North Dakota State defeats UTEP 31-7 at the Fargodome.
Saturday, November 14, 2026: North Dakota State plays Hawaii in Honolulu.
Season Trajectory
North Dakota State's No. 34 SP+ ranking places it in a strong position heading into its November road trip to Hawaii. The win over UTEP keeps the Bison on pace while Hawaii, ranked No. 120, has the weaker profile in this matchup.
Fantasy managers rostering North Dakota State players should note the upcoming road trip to Honolulu on November 14. Hawaii's 3-6 record and defensive weakness in the SP+ may matter for those evaluating the Bison's next game.
The takeaway
A lopsided win against a struggling opponent can mask the value of a strong defense, which is worth tracking as North Dakota State heads into its next road test against Hawaii.
What happens next
North Dakota State plays Hawaii in Honolulu on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Further reading
Track the Bison's full schedule on the North Dakota Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
