Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jim Moldenhauer Along with his team-leading 14 tackles, junior Tom Nelson also set three ISU return records over the weekend. Nelson is now the career leader in kickoff returns (54) and yards (1,175), as well as returns in a single game (8).

The Redbirds could not hold off the No. 1 North Dakota State Bison on Saturday, as they fell 28-54 in Fargo, ND. The Bison finished with 649 yards of total offense, led by Tyler Roehl's 257 rushing yards. ISU senior quarterback Luke Drone went 25 for 39 with 217 yards passing and three touchdowns, but this effort was shadowed by the dominant offense of the Bison. The loss brings ISU to 4-6 overall on the season and leaves North Dakota State undefeated.

Junior Tom Nelson broke three kickoff records for the 'Birds on Saturday, highlighted by his 54th career return and 1,175 career kickoff return yards. He also established the single-game ISU record for kickoff returns (8). Nelson, along with senior linebacker Kye Stewart, led the team with 14 tackles each.

ISU's offense came alive on their first drive of the game, highlighted by a career-long 25-yard run by Drone. In the Bison red zone, Drone completed a 2-yard pass to senior Dave Mordis, his first touchdown reception of the year, giving the 'Birds an early 7-0 lead.

North Dakota State bounced right back on their first possession, led by a 36-yard kickoff return by Shamen Washington. Roehl ran 42 yards on the drive, bringing the ball to the ISU 17. Bison quarterback Steve Walker connected with Kole Heckendorf in the end zone to tie the game at 7.

After a 21-yard kickoff return by Nelson and a 20-yard pass to sophomore Eyad Salem, the ISU offense found themselves threatening inside Bison territory. A fumbled snap by Drone, however, ended the drive and gave North Dakota State the ball on their own 41. A 38-yard Walker pass to Jerimiah Wurzbacher led the resulting drive into the ISU end of the field, and Walker ultimately scored on a 1-yard rush. Freshman Kelvyn Hemphill got a hand up in time to block the point after attempt, leaving the score at 13-7.

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