South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong Jr. rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns and also threw a touchdown pass. His performance sparked the Jackrabbits to a 27-19 victory against North Dakota State on Saturday in Missouri Valley Football Conference play at Dana J, Dykhouse Stadium.
The Bison (8-1, 5-1 MVFC) remained in first place in the Missouri Valley despite the loss. SDSU (7-2, 4-2) has won two consecutive Dakota Marker trophy games. NDSU has two games remaining in the regular season.
SDSU built a 27-7 lead in the third quarter and the Bison weren't able to recover, even though NDSU limited the Jackrabbits to 79 yards in the second half.