AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (Interstat) — Nathan Hayes threw two touchdown passes and scored on a 17-yard run, and North Dakota State beat Air Force 38-32 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Falcon Stadium in the Bison’s first Mountain West Conference game. Myles Mitchell added two rushing touchdowns, including a 31-yard score, and Logan Conklin and Mekhi Collins caught touchdown passes from Hayes. Drew Klein kicked a 56-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. Air Force countered with Liam Szarka’s 2-yard touchdown run, Mason Hayes’ 29-yard touchdown pass to Adam Hrynciw, and Evan Medders’ 20-yard touchdown pass to Matt Long. The Falcons also had a potential scoring run nullified by a holding penalty in the fourth quarter. North Dakota State improved to 3-0. Air Force dropped to 1-1. The Bison next play at Sacramento State on Sept. 19. Air Force visits Nevada on Sept. 26.