The 2017 FCS Playoffs are here and we've got game-by-game wrap ups.
[divider]COMPARE: Any Two FCS Players | Any Two FCS Teams[divider]
 |
WOFFORD 10NORTH DAKOTA STATE 42 |
 |
|
Next up: vs. Kennesaw State/Sam Houston State Winner Date/Time: Dec. 15, 8 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN2 |
[divider]
HIGHLIGHTS: NDSU Blows Wofford Out of Fargodome
[divider]
THE STANDOUTS
Easton Stick, QB — NDSU: 11 of 16, 184 yards, 3 TDs; 8 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
Chris Board , LB — NDSU: 9 tackles, 6 solo, 1 tackle for loss
Bruce Anderson, RB — NDSU: 15 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs
[divider]
THE TURNING POINT
Besides the opening drive for Wofford, NDSU had the momentum for most of this game. But the Terriers had a chance to seize it in the second quarter. Up 14-3, the Bison fumbled the ball and Wofford recovered. The Terriers went 22 yards to score and just like that, it was 14-10. A stop on defense was key. But the Bison went 57 yards in nine plays, chewing 5:35 off the clock, and extended their lead to 21-10.
The Terriers looked lifeless from there, fumbling several times. NDSU took advantage of those mistakes and scored two more times and had a comfortable 35-10 lead at halftime.
[divider]
THE SKINNY
Simply put, the Bison are a much better football team than last season at this time. The overall defensive speed was showcased as Wofford's option offense couldn't find the edge. And defensively, Wofford's linebackers' heads were turned around each series with the Bison's play action, wheel route passing concept. They couldn't cover the Bison receivers, tight ends and running backs downfield.
All in all, it was a dominating effort by the Bison. They had 464 total yards offensively. Wofford had 177. Maybe the Terriers were a bit overrated coming in, especially after a performance like this. Many thought this would be NDSU's toughest test on this side of the bracket. Or maybe the Bison are just that good. Everything seems to be clicking for NDSU. The team is in playoff mode and look to be on a mission to return to Frisco.
[divider]
PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK
NDSU will play the winner of Sam Houston State and Kennesaw State. Both offenses prevent different challenges. SHSU brings a high-octane passing attack while the Owls would bring another triple option offense to the Fargodome. This is the seventh straight semifinal appearance for the Bison.
