North Dakota rolls to 45-21 win over Cal Poly

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) North Dakota did all it could on Saturday to convince the FCS it belongs in the playoffs, routing Cal Poly 45-21 in the Big Sky Conference finale.

John Santiago rushed for 117 yards and three touchdowns in the team's first game as the Fighting Hawks (7-4, 4-3 Big Sky).

Santiago scored on runs of 14, 15 and 5 yards in support of Keaton Studsrud, who completed 17 of 20 passes for 255 yards and two scores.

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The Hawks rolled up 474 yards of total offense. They took charge in a 21-point second quarter and went into halftime leading 28-0. North Dakota has won three straight games to give itself and outside shot at a playoff berth.

The FCS playoff field will be announced on Sunday.

Chris Brown had 211 yards passing for Cal Poly (4-7, 3-5), which entered the game averaging 410.7 yards rushing, but managed just 153 against the Fighting Hawks.

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