North Dakota dominates Idaho State with 52-28 victory

In a decisive matchup on Saturday, North Dakota showcased their dominance over Idaho State with a commanding 52-28 victory in Grand Forks, N.D. Bo Belquist had an outstanding performance, achieving a career-high of 165 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown, which contributed significantly to the team's success. His eight receptions allowed him to set a new Division-I record for career receptions, surpassing the previous record he shared with Greg Hardin. Quarterback Simon Romfo played a pivotal role, completing 25 of 38 passes for 287 yards and throwing two touchdown passes. North Dakota's defense also made a significant impact, highlighted by Devin Hembry's impressive 92-yard interception return that helped establish an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The Fighting Hawks capitalized on red zone turnovers, scoring 10 additional points and building a substantial 38-0 lead by the second quarter. Idaho State struggled throughout the game, committing four turnovers that hindered their offensive efforts. Hunter Hays, who entered the game late in the first half, managed to throw for four touchdowns, completing 18 of 23 passes for 206 yards. Two of his touchdown passes were caught by Jeff Weimer, who recorded 92 receiving yards on six catches. This victory improved North Dakota's record to 2-1, solidifying their position as a competitive team in the FCS coaches poll, where they are currently ranked 10th. The game highlighted both the offensive prowess of North Dakota and the challenges faced by Idaho State, setting the stage for future matchups in the season.