Valley Rundown: NDSU confirms top dog status in the conference following USD beatdown

Last week, I was scrolling through Twitter (I’m still not calling it X) when I saw a betting line for the North Dakota State and South Dakota game that had the Bison favored by 28.5 points. And I’ll be honest, at the time, I thought that was crazy.  

Granted, NDSU had beaten all its opponents into a pulp, and USD didn’t look as strong as it did last season. However, I thought the Coyotes had enough talent, and after dominating Drake a few weeks back, I figured it could be an interesting matchup. 

Well, this is why Nathan doesn’t partake in sports gambling, because he would have obviously taken the USD moneyline and would have been almost as embarrassed as the Coyotes were by NDSU. In what can only be described as a scene in nature, a herd of bison trampled a pack of coyotes over, and over, and over again. 

A trend of defensive domination 

I don’t think I need to elaborate much on what occurred on Saturday, as there isn’t much to point out. NDSU was better in every facet of the game, nearly every statistical category that mattered and it was just a flat-out butt whoopin’. USD looked completely outmatched and to be honest, I’m not really sure where the Coyotes go forward. I guess it’s just one game at a time from here on out, because I’m not even sure if playoffs are a sure thing with the rest of that conference slate. 

As for the Bison, this appears to be a team that resembles powerhouse squads of the past. I really want to touch on the defense, because NDSU may have the most impressive unit in the country.

If you look at team FCS defensive statistics, NDSU is near the top of the list in most categories. Just for an example:

• 1st in passing defense (111 yards allowed per game) 

• 2nd in passing TDs allowed (1)   

• 2nd in 3rd down defense (22.4 opponent conversion percentage)

• 2nd in total defense

• 2nd in scoring defense 

• 3rd in opponent red zone trips (6) 

• T-3rd in rushing TDs allowed (2)

• T-4th in defensive TDs (2)

• 5th in sacks per game (3.25)

• 6th in rushing defense (81.5 yards per game allowed)

It’s also worth mentioning that Ivy League squads are included in these stats as well, and all have played two games fewer than the Bison. Take away those Ivy League teams, and NDSU’s statistical defensive success is even more impressive. 

Then, there’s the offense, but I want to focus on one specific aspect for now. 

Cole Payton: Best in the FCS? 

A quote from Bison head coach Tim Polasek caught my attention following the USD victory that I want to touch on. 

“It’s early … but I’m not sure it’s too early to start talking about this guy being one of the best players in the country.” 

To be honest, the thought hadn’t really crossed my mind much before Polasek’s comments. And that’s mostly because of NDSU’s schedule versus opponents you’d probably expect Payton to have plenty of success against. But now that I’ve looked a bit deeper, the Bison signal-caller certainly has a case. 

We’ve already seen what Payton brings to the table in terms of his athletic prowess and his ability to create explosive plays. But you know me, I love statistics. Here are just a few FCS rankings and where Payton lands in some categories: 

• 2nd in passing efficiency 

• 5th in completion percentage (72.6%) 

• 5th in total offense (314 yards per game) 

• 7th in QB rushing yards (277)

• 20th in passing TDs (8)

• 26th in passing yards (979) 

Same disclaimer as before, some Ivy League quarterbacks rank ahead of Payton and have played two fewer games. 

Now, does that scream one of the best players in the country? It could be interpreted as such; however, let’s take other things into consideration. NDSU has been the top-ranked team in the country since the beginning, beating opponents by almost 40 points per game (39.75 to be exact) and is third in total offense and fifth in scoring offense, among many factors. 

However, I’m also going to point out something else Polasek said: It’s early. 

Yes, it is still very early, and the Bison have a brutal conference slate, especially over the next four weeks. However, Payton has my full attention. And if he continues on this path, could there be a chance for Payton to take home the Payton at season’s end?