North Dakota Falls in Opener Against Iowa State 21-3

AMES, IA (KVRR)–There was plenty of “new” for the North Dakota football program entering the 2024-25 season. A new offensive coordinator and quarterback at the forefront. In week one, North Dakota got arguably their biggest test of the season right off the bat, FBS program Iowa State from the Big 12 Conference. In addition to the big-name opponent, two familiar faces stood on the Iowa State sideline. ISU Wide Receiver Eli Green, a transfer from NDSU, and running backs coach Tyler Roehl, a long-time offensive coordinator at NDSU.

North Dakota entered the game as four touchdown underdogs and that was evident in the first possession. The Cyclones picked up 75 yards on just two plays to score the games first points. But the UND defense settled in the rest of the quarter forcing multiple Cyclones punts.

The North Dakota offense did not enter the scoring until late in the second quarter. On a drive that began in the closing seconds of the opening quarter, CJ Elrichs nailed a 26-yard field goal with just over three minutes remaining in the half. In all, it was a 23-play, 88-yard drive that consumed 12 minutes and 24 seconds of game time. North Dakota converted on six third downs on the drive.

Iowa state found the endzone in the final minute of the half on a 14-yard strike, Rocco Becht to Jaylin Noel, to give the Cyclones a 14-3 lead into the half time break.

In a third quarter dominated by defense, the highlight came on special teams. On a fourth and five near midfield, UND chose to punt. On a botched snap, punter Luke Silvernale secured the ball and sent a line drive 49-yard punt down to the Iowa State 4-yard line (worth finding the highlight.) The score remained 14-3 entering the fourth.

In the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, Iowa State began pulling away. Quarterback Rocco Becht powered in for a 2-yard QB sneak to extend the Cyclones lead to 21-3. North Dakota later responded with drive deep into Iowa State territory, but a missed 33-yard CJ Elrichs filed goal kept the score 21-3.

That Iowa State touchdown would be the only second half score as North Dakota falls to 0-1 with a 21-3 loss.

Up next, UND will welcome Montana to the Alerus Center. Game is Saturday, September 7 at 6 P.M.

KEY FINAL STATS:

UND:

Passing:

• Simon Romfo: 17-30, 121 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Receiving:

• Bo Belquist: 6 receptions, 43 yards

Rushing:

• Isaiah Smith: 12 rushes, 50 yards

Defense:

• Leading tackler: Antonio Bluiett: 5 tackles

Kicking:

• C.J. Elrichs: 1-2, made from 26; missed from 33

Iowa State:

Passing:

• Rocco Becht: 20-26, 267 yards, 2 TD

Receiving:

• Jaylin Noel: 9 receptions, 135 yards, 1 TD
• Eli Green: 4 receptions, 44 yards

Rushing:

• Abu Sama: 5 rushes, 36 yards

Defense:

• Leading tackler: Jontez Williams: 11 tackles
• Beau Freyler: 8 tackles, 1 INT

GAME COMPARISON:

Total yards:

• UND: 295
• ISU: 353

Rushing yards:

• UND: 174
• ISU: 86

Passing yards:

• UND: 121
• ISU: 267

Time of possession:

• UND: 37:51
• ISU: 22:09