The North Dakota State Bison are heading back to the FCS National Championship game after routing Sam Houston State in the semi-finals at the Fargodome Friday night.
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SAM HOUSTON STATE13NORTH DAKOTA STATE 55 |
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Next up: FCS Championship vs. James Madison/South Dakota State Winner Date/Time: Jan. 6, 12 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN2 |
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HIGHLIGHTS: NDSU Runs Over SHSU into FCS Championship Game
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THE STANDOUTS
Easton Stick, QB — NDSU: 10-17, 160 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT.
Jabril Cox, LB — NDSU: 13 tackles, 7 solo
Bruce Anderson, RB — NDSU: 17 carries, 183 yards, 3 TDs, 2 catches, 54 yards, 2 TDs
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THE TURNING POINT
Well, it's tough to decide where to start. The turning point was probably the moment NDSU's offense and SHSU's defense stepped on the field. The strength of the Bearkats defense was questioned coming into this game. And that weakness showed. The Bison did whatever they wanted to, gashing SHSU on the ground and through the air. Multiple scores saw a Bison player go untouched. It was a no-show for SHSU's defense. And the Bison's offense was well-balanced once again.
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THE SKINNY
SHSU simply didn't belong in this game. The Bison have had three statement wins in this year's playoffs. But it appeared the Bearkats had little to no fight in this game. NDSU had more than 230 yards in the first quarter alone and finished with 642. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Briscoe, the top NFL quarterback prospect in the FCS was intercepted three times and looked flustered all game.
It's going to be a battle in Frisco, no matter if they're playing South Dakota State or James Madison. But if this game is any indication, the Bison are rolling and no one on their side of the bracket has come close to slowing them down. Yes, this side of the bracket turned out to be a much easier road to Frisco, but winning by multiple touchdowns in the second round, quarterfinals and semifinals says something about this team.
NDSU and its fans have missed Frisco. And it appears Frisco has missed the Bison. The reunion is happening. Just like many predicted.
