North Dakota defeats Northern Iowa 31-7 with distance touchdowns
- North Dakota achieved a resounding victory over Northern Iowa with a final score of 31-7.
- The Fighting Hawks outperformed the Panthers offensively, accumulating 386 total yards compared to Northern Iowa's 214 yards.
- This win improves North Dakota's record to 5-2 and bolsters their position within the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the University of North Dakota's football team secured a decisive 31-7 victory against Northern Iowa in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Fighting Hawks exhibited strong offensive performance, gaining a total of 386 yards, with 267 yards coming from their running game. Gaven Ziebarth played a vital role, leading the team with 83 rushing yards, as he scored a notable 40-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, solidifying the lead. Meanwhile, the Panthers struggled with their ground game, managing only 36 rushing yards throughout the contest. Bo Belquist also made his mark on the game, catching a 34-yard touchdown pass from Simon Romfo, which turned the momentum in favor of the Fighting Hawks in the second quarter. Romfo contributed to the team's aerial attack by completing 14 out of 24 passes for 107 yards, including the significant touchdown throw. The opposing team, Northern Iowa, had their only score from a 60-yard pass from Matthew Schecklman to JC Roque Jr. The Panthers discovered it challenging to maintain offensive consistency, finishing with just 214 total yards and nine first downs during the game. This victory improved North Dakota's season record to 5-2 and solidified their standing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, where they are currently 2-1. The game demonstrated North Dakota's offensive prowess and their ability to control the play against a struggling Northern Iowa team.