Simon Romfo throws for 3 TDs and North Dakota tops Murray State 72-35 for its most points since 1928

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) Simon Romfo threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns, Isaiah Smith carried it 11 times for 142 yards and two scores, and North Dakota beat Murray State 72-35 on Saturday for its most points scored in a game since 1928.

Avery Scott returned an interception 40 yards to cap the scoring for North Dakota with 8:46 left in the fourth - to notch the Fighting Hawks' highest point total since an 80-0 win over Jamestown College on Sept. 29, 1928. In that year, UND played Carleton College to a 0-0 tie one week later.

North Dakota had its lead trimmed to 24-21 with 9:35 left in the second quarter before closing the half with 24 straight points.

Murray State returner KaVan Reed let a punt bounce about 10 yards in front of him before grabbing it and fumbling at the 22. Three plays later, Romfo ran it in from the 6 for a double-digit lead, 31-21, North Dakota would not relinquish.

Murray State was forced to punt on its next possession and UND's Tyler Erkman went untouched on the left side to block a punt, leading to a 6-yard touchdown run by Gaven Ziebarth to make it 38-21. The Racers punted again and UND scored one play later when Smith caught a screen pass from Romfo and took it 74 yards to the end zone.

North Dakota went 11 plays before kicking a short field goal for a 48-21 lead at the break.

Romfo also had nine carries for 43 yards and a score for North Dakota (4-1, 1-0 Missouri Valley Football Conference), which is ranked No. 8 in the FCS poll.

Jayden Johannsen and Jameson Holcomb each threw an interception for Murray State (1-3, 0-1). Q’Daryius Jennings rushed for two touchdowns and Johannsen had a team-high 14 carries for 87 yards and a score.

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