Miller's four TDs power North Dakota State in 52-3 rout of Tennessee State in home opener

FARGO, N.D. — Cam Miller threw for 181 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another 43 yards and a score as North Dakota State routed Tennessee State 52-3 in its home opener Saturday.

The Bison rebounded from a 31-26 season-opening loss at Colorado after leading at halftime by scoring the game's first 52 points, allowing the Tigers just a 19-yard field goal with just over five minutes left to play.

Miller opened the scoring by racing 24 yards on a keeper midway through the first quarter, then firing 14 yards to Bryce Lane four minutes later to make it 14-0. CharMar Brown capped a short drive with a 3-yard run and Miller added a 12-yard pass to John Gores and a 6-yard strike to Lance in the final minute of the first half to make it 35-0.

Cole Payton added a 19-yard touchdown pass to Mekhi Collins to start the fourth quarter and Nathan Hayes capped the scoring with a 51-yard run.

Miller was 14-of-18 passing and did not throw an interception. Payton was 3 of 5 for 29 yards and a touchdown with a pick. Hayes had just one carry and his 51 yards led the Bison. Lance had seven catches for 106 yards and two scores.

Tennessee State was held to just 158 yards of offense led by Draylen Ellis, who was 17-of-25 passing for 128 yards without a turnover.