ST. LOUIS – North Dakota cornerback Grant Noland collected Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors Monday, while Trace Thaden earned his second Offensive Lineman of the Week nod.

Noland registered a career-high six pass break-ups, which are the most by an FCS or FBS player in a game this season, and added three solo tackles to help North Dakota upset top-ranked South Dakota State in front of a sellout crowd at the Alerus Center. Noland's efforts contributed to the Fighting Hawks' defense that limited the nation's second-highest scoring team to a season-low 10 points and 326 yards of total offense. The Fighting Hawk sophomore made it difficult for SDSU quarterback Chase Mason to find a rhythm as he completed just 14 of 33 (42.4 percent) passes in the contest for 169 yards.

The Kearney, Mo., native took over the FCS lead in total pass break-ups on the season, increasing his total to 13.

Thaden graded out at 84 percent on 62 snaps during the win over the Jackrabbits. The Fighting Hawks' left tackle paved the way for UND to churn out 175 rushing yards, which were the most the SDSU defense has allowed to an FCS opponent this season. Thaden did not allow a sack or pressure as well, helping UND knock off the No. 1 team in the country for the first time at the FCS level.

The No. 6/8 Fighting Hawks take to the road for a top 10 matchup vs. No. 8/6 South Dakota Saturday. Kickoff against the Coyotes is set for 1 p.m. CT and will be televised by Midco Sports and streamed Midco Sports Plus and ESPN+.

For more information on North Dakota football, follow @UNDfootball on social media or visit FightingHawks.com.

-- UND --