Nathan Hayes accounts for 2 TDs, defense does the rest in North Dakota State's 31-7 win over UTEP

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Nathan Hayes accounted for two touchdowns and the North Dakota State defense had another shutdown performance in a 31-7 victory over UTEP on Saturday.

UTEP took a 7-0 lead on quarterback Raymond Moore III's 57-yard touchdown run on the Miners' first play from scrimmage. The North Dakota State defense allowed 181 yards the rest of the game.

North Dakota State entered with the number two defense in the nation, allowing 250.1 yards per game.

The Bison (7-2, 4-2 Mountain West) got on the board on Drew Klein's 30-yard field goal early in the second quarter and took a 10-7 lead on DJ Scott's 1-yard run before halftime.

The score stood at 10-7 deep into the third quarter before Hayes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Reis Kessel.

Leading 17-7 late in the fourth quarter, North Dakota State got a rushing touchdown from Hayes and a fumble return TD by Marion Moore to blow it open in the final two minutes.

Hayes completed 22 of 32 passes for 240 yards. His leading receiver was Jackson Williams, who had 111 yards on 10 receptions. Donovan Woolen had eight solo tackles.

UTEP's EJ Colson Jr. was 11-of-16 passing for 59 yards and was intercepted twice. Moore completed 4 of 6 passes for 32 yards and led the Miners (1-7, 0-4) with 67 yards rushing.

UTEP: vs. Hawaii next Saturday.

North Dakota State: at Hawaii on Nov. 14. ——-

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