FARGO, N.D.--Coulter Boyer and Josh Gatlin each returned interceptions for touchdowns, and D.J. McNorton rushed for 138 yards and two scores as No. 20/24-ranked North Dakota State defeated South Dakota State 31-24 in a Missouri Valley Football Conference game played Saturday, Nov. 13, before 17,037 in the Fargodome.

The Bison (7-3, 4-3 Valley Football) reclaimed the Dakota Marker and broke a three-game losing streak to South Dakota State (4-6, 4-4 Valley Football). NDSU moved into a three-way tie for second with Indiana State and Western Illinois in the conference standings.

North Dakota State's defense recorded four interceptions overall with linebacker Matt Anderson and cornerback Marcus Williams each making a pick to stop drives. The Bison have 13 interceptions this season compared to only three in 2009. Williams has had at least one pass defended in 9 of 10 games this season.

After Gatlin's 51-yard interception return put the Bison ahead 31-14 with 8:14 left in the fourth quarter, SDSU needed only 14-seconds to answer. Thomas O'Brien threw a 68-yard touchdown pass to Tyrel Kool. O'Brien finished 18 of 42 for 247 yards passing. Kool caught six passes for 132 yards.

Peter Reifenrath's 43 yard field goal trimmed the deficit to 31-24 with 4:17 remaining to play.

However, the Bison ran out the clock to finish the game. Jose Mohler completed a short pass to Lee Vandal and a McNorton 12-yard highlighted the first down plays. Mohler completed 14 of 20 passes for 100 yards. Warren Holloway made seven receptions for 64 yards.

McNorton recorded his sixth 100-yard effort over the past seven games. He reached 1,000 yards this season on his first TD, a 31-yard reverse the field scamper with 2:30 left in the second quarter to put NDSU ahead 14-7 at halftime.

The Bison have had an 1,000-yard rusher eight straight seasons.

Following Boyer's 4-yard interception return the Jackrabbits answered with a Kyle Minett 1-yard TD run, his first of two scores in the game. He rushed 16 times for 75 yards. His second TD, a 15-yard run, tied the game at 14-14 early in the third quarter.

South Dakota State outgained North Dakota State 331-276, but the Bison held a 33:34 to 26:26 advantage in time of possession.

Linebacker Mike Lien led the Jackrabbits with a game-high 18 tackles, while Derek Domino added 13.

Freshman strong safety Colten Heagle had 11 stops and led the Bison in tackles for the third straight game. Defensive tackle Matthew Gratzek recorded a career-high four quarterback hurries, while defensive end Cole Jirik had two sacks.

NDSU punter John Prelvitz matched a career best with eight punts for an average of 44.2 yards per attempt including a long of 54 yards and one inside the 20.