Nathan Hayes runs for 2 TDs, Bison defense stellar in 28-0 win over Wyoming

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Nathan Hayes ran for two touchdowns and North Dakota State's defense smothered Wyoming in a 28-0 win on Saturday in the Bison's first-ever Mountain West Conference home game.

On the game's first play from scrimmage, Donovan Woolen intercepted Wyoming's Tyler Hughes to set up the Bison (5-0, 2-0) at the Wyoming 19-yard line, leading to Hayes' 8-yard TD scramble. Hayes made it 14-0 with a 14-yard run around the right end with a Drew Klein field goal extending the lead to 17-0 by halftime.

Klein added another field goal and DJ Scott scored from a yard out in the second half.

The Cowboys (2-3, 1-1) managed just 162 yards offense. Their best chance to score came after a fumble put them at the Bison 26-yard line but that possession ended on downs at the 5.

The shutout was the second for the Bison this season after blanking Fordham 38-0 on Sept. 5. The last time the Cowboys were shut out came in 2022 — a 30-0 loss to Fresno State.

The two programs played the first game in the newly created Battle of the Basins, a traveling trophy to go to the winner annually.

Up next

Wyoming: at San Jose State on Friday.

North Dakota State: at UNLV next Saturday.

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