FARGO, ND — North Dakota State came painfully close to capturing its first victory as an FBS program, but Jacksonville State spoiled the occasion by defeating the Bison 26-23 in overtime at the Fargodome.

Sophomore quarterback Caden Creel was a one-man wrecking crew for Jacksonville State, accounting for all three of the Gamecocks’ touchdowns. Creel threw for one score and ran for two more to lead the offense.

Senior quarterback Nathan Hayes hoped to make history by leading NDSU to its first FBS victory, but the Bison were unable to generate a touchdown through the air. Hayes finished with 208 passing yards without a touchdown, but also avoided throwing an interception.

NDSU found more success on the ground. Myles Mitchell rushed for 54 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown, while Barry Kpeenu added another score on five carries.

The Bison found themselves in trouble early, trailing 17-3 at halftime before storming back with 14 points in the third quarter to make it a game.

NDSU continued to battle in the fourth quarter, eventually pulling even at 20-20 to force overtime. Kicker Drew Klein, who converted three field goals in the game, also had an attempt blocked during regulation that proved costly in such a tight contest.

The Bison took possession first in overtime but were unable to reach the end zone, settling for a Klein field goal and a 23-20 lead. That left Jacksonville State needing a touchdown to end the game.

The Gamecocks delivered.

Creel and the Jacksonville State offense found the end zone on their possession to complete the 26-23 victory. With the touchdown immediately ending the game, no extra-point attempt was necessary.

NDSU showed it could battle back after falling behind by two touchdowns and even put itself in position to win in overtime, but its historic first FBS victory will have to wait at least one more week.