The No. 3 team in the NAIA football poll lived up to its billing Saturday night. Morningside College handed Valley City State its first loss of the season, knocking off the Vikings 56-14 at Shelly Ellig Field in Valley City.

The Mustangs took control early, shocking the Vikings with 43 first-half points.

VCSU regrouped in the second half, outscoring Morningside 14-13 over the final 30 minutes of play.

Kurtis Walls found Antoine Griffin from 20 yards out for the Vikings first score early in the third quarter. Backup quarterback Josh Hansana played the fourth quarter for VCSU and rushed for a 10-yard touchdown to make the final score 56-14.

Morningside out-gained the Vikings 596-267 in total yards. The Mustangs had 346 yards on the ground, including 181 yards and three touchdowns from Brandon Wegher in the first half.

The Vikings were led offensively by receiver Antoine Griffin, who caught seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Jake Miller added six catches for 60 yards. Kurtis Walls completed 14 of 23 passes for 117 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Josh Hansana completed 6 of 10 passes for 106 yards and rushed for a touchdown.

Valley City State is now 1-1 on the season. The Vikings open conference play Saturday, Sept. 13 with a 6 p.m. road game at Dakota State University.