North Dakota State improved to 2-0 with a 59-3 victory over Tennessee State, outscoring its first two opponents 97-3. This is the inaugural edition of Sunday Slants, a weekly column that highlights four key takeaways from each Bison game.
1st down — Barika Kpeenu has emerged as a workhorse. The West Fargo Sheyenne product has converted opportunities into consistent production, carrying the ball 22 times without losing yardage and scoring five touchdowns through two games. He’s shown physicality and tackle-breaking ability that align with what coach Tim Polasek envisioned when naming him the team’s feature back.
2nd down — Linebacker play has been a major strength early in the season. While comparisons to the celebrated 2017 trio (Chris Board, Nick DeLuca and Jabril Cox) are premature, Logan Kopp, Nathaniel Staehling and Donovan Woolen have displayed rare athleticism. Kopp nearly returned an interception for a score and recovered a fumble against The Citadel. Staehling has been steady in the middle, and Woolen’s one-handed interception returned for a touchdown and a tackle-for-loss versus TSU underscored his upside.
3rd down — Tight end Reis Kessel looks like a matchup problem. T...