North Dakota State Bison @ Tennessee State Tigers
Kpeenu scores 3 TDs, FCS champ North Dakota State beats Tennessee State 59-3
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- — Barry Kpeenu ran for three touchdowns and defending FCS champion North Dakota State beat Tennessee State 59-3 on Saturday.
The FCS top-ranked Bison (2-0) rolled up 433 yards of offense and 24 first downs while holding the Tigers (1-1) to 131 yards and four first downs.
Kpeenu gained 57 yards on 10 carries and scored three of the game's first four touchdowns on runs of 10, 4 and 6 yards. The score was 45-0 at halftime after a 28-point second quarter.
Cole Payton was 13 of 16 for 166 yards passing including a 3-yard score to RaJa Nelson for the final points of the first half. Nathan Hayes connected with Mekhi Collins for a 68-yard score. DJ Scott had a rushing TD.
Donovan Woolen made a one-handed grab for an interception he returned 34 yards for a TD.
The Tigers avoided a shutout with Freddy Perez's 45-yard field goal with four minutes remaining. The Bison have outscored their first two opponents 97-3.
Three Tigers quarterbacks combined to complete 8 of 18 passes for 61 yards with an interception. Kendric Rhymes rushed for 43 yards on 12 carries.
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Game Information
Nashville, TN


2025 Standings
| Missouri Valley Football ConferenceMissouri Valley Football Conference | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 8-1 | 12-1 |
| South Dakota | 6-2 | 10-4 |
| Illinois State | 6-3 | 10-4 |
| North Dakota | 5-3 | 8-6 |
| Youngstown State | 5-3 | 8-5 |
| South Dakota State | 4-4 | 9-5 |
| Southern Illinois | 4-4 | 7-5 |
| Northern Iowa | 1-7 | 3-9 |
| Murray State | 1-7 | 1-11 |
| Indiana State | 1-7 | 3-9 |
| OVC-Big South AssociationOVC-Big South Association | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Tech | 8-0 | 11-2 |
| UT Martin | 6-2 | 6-6 |
| Gardner-Webb | 5-3 | 7-5 |
| Lindenwood | 5-3 | 6-6 |
| Charleston Southern | 4-4 | 5-7 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Western Illinois | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Eastern Illinois | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Tennessee State | 0-8 | 2-10 |
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