NDSU defense dominates UTEP in 31-7 win
Marion Moore recorded an interception and a 46-yard fumble return touchdown, extending the Bison's turnover margin to plus-nine for the season.
By Camila Herrera ·
North Dakota State’s defensive unit neutralized the UTEP Miners’ offense in a 31-7 victory on Saturday at the Fargodome. The Bison allowed only one big play and one touchdown throughout the contest. This performance extended the team's season-long turnover margin to plus-nine. The margin reflects three created turnovers against just one forced by the visiting squad.
Cornerback Marion Moore anchored the defensive effort with two scoring plays in the final period. Moore, a second-year player, intercepted an errant pass from UTEP quarterback E.J. Colson in the fourth quarter. He returned the ball 22 yards to the Bison 38-yard line. This interception was his fifth of the season. Before this game, he was tied for third in the Football Bowl Subdivision with four takeaways.
One possession later, Moore secured the final points for the Bison. Linebacker Alex Elliott forced a fumble that Moore recovered. Moore ran 46 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown. This marked his second defensive touchdown of the year. He had previously scored with a pick-six against Fordham in the second game of the season.
Linebacker Donovan Woolen credited Moore’s ability to locate the ball. Woolen said Moore knows how to create takeaways. He described Moore as a special player who is really important to the defense and the team. Woolen noted that getting the ball back quickly is awesome for the offense.
Safety Will Steil also contributed to the defensive pressure. Steil, a third-year player, recorded his first career interception in the second quarter. He caught a wild throw by Colson near midfield while patrolling the middle of the field on a third-and-long play. Steil returned the ball to the UTEP 20-yard line. A personal foul penalty on NDSU at midfield set the ball back to the Bison’s 35-yard line. The offense subsequently went three and out and punted.
The Bison maintained stability at the offensive line despite injury concerns. The same five starters who played in the loss at New Mexico last week lined up on Saturday. The group included Noah Stommes at left tackle, Nate Tastad at left guard, Gage Schmidt at center, Coy Okeson at right guard, and Kene Anene at right tackle. All are third-year players.
Stommes started his second straight game due to an injury to starter Ryan Babatz. Babatz missed the game with a high ankle sprain. He was listed as questionable on the Mountain West Conference availability report and warmed up before the contest but did not play. Nate Tastad started at left guard after Griffin Empey left the previous game with an injured hand or wrist. Empey was listed as out, allowing Tastad to take the starting role.
Donovan Woolen led the team with 11 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. His stats included one sack and one quarterback hurry. The Bison registered four total sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Linebacker Ray James and defensive tackle Logan Larson each recorded a pair of tackles for loss. The Bison were 23.5-point favorites according to BetMGM odds.
A representative from the New Mexico Bowl attended the game at the Fargodome. New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen was also in attendance. His son, Carson, is a high school quarterback in New Jersey visiting NDSU. E.J. Colson, the main quarterback for UTEP, has battled injuries all season. He was listed as questionable earlier in the week but was not listed in the game day report. Attendance reached 15,513 fans. It was the Bison's first Halloween home game since 1981.
