MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Top-ranked North Dakota State posted a 57-10 win over Butler in the 2019 season opener in front of 34,544 fans at Target Field. The contest was the first-ever DI football game played in the venue.
 
How It Happened
NDSU scored on their first two possessions to take a quick 15-0 lead. Three additional TD passes were thrown in the second quarter to give the Bison a 36-0 advantage at the half. BU scored the first 10 points of the second half with a 29-yard field goal try from Drew Bevelhimer and a defensive touchdown from Dan DelGrosso. NDSU responded with 14-straight points off a 36-yard run by Ty Brooks followed by a 61-yard TD run from Trey Lance. The lone TD in the fourth belonged to Saybein Clark who crossed the goal line from seven yards out.
 
Key Moments
The key moment came quickly in this one as NDSU faced a third and five on their opening drive. The Bison called for timeout and would return to the field with a great play call. QB Trey Lance would keep it for the first down and much more as he found room through the middle of the field for a 33-yard TD run.
 
Butler's key moment came in the third quarter. Nick Mahalak forced a fumble which was picked up by Dan DelGrosso. The senior linebacker picked up the loose ball and sprinted 29-yards the other way for the first BU TD of the 2019 season.
 
Inside the Box Score
Butler ran 60 total plays and NDSU ended with 59. The Bulldogs won time of possession 30:49 to 29:11.
 
Stat of the Game
Brad Sznajder carried the ball 14 times for 58 yards. His longest run of the day was a 15-yarder. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry and added three catches for 22 yards.
 
What's Next
Butler will host Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday, Sept. 7. Kick-off for the home opener is set for 6 PM.