Once again, North Dakota State proved just how tough they are to beat in the FCS Playoffs. The Bison throttled Richmond 33-7 in the Fargodome, shutting the Spiders out into the second half and holding them to only 209 total yards. With the win, North Dakota State is only one win away from its fifth consecutive FCS national championship.
North Dakota State advances to FCS Championship with 33-7 win over Richmond
Imagine that, the Bison are back in the FCS title game.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Bison slowly but steadily grew their lead in the first half. Richmond wasn’t necessarily out of it, but they rarely felt like a threat to score, and the game felt like it was essentially decided when Eric Perkins returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown to make it 26-0 late in the first half. Richmond did show signs of life in the second half, but all they could muster was one touchdown pass from Kyle Lauletta to Garrett Hudson.
Easton Stick went 13-of-20 passing for 136 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for North Dakota State, and also rushed for 21 yards. King Frazier led the Bison with 121 rushing yards, pacing their 272-yard team effort. Zach Vraa and Chase Morlock each had a touchdown reception. All told, North Dakota State doubled Richmond’s total offensive output, 420 yards to 209.
The Bison will take on the winner of No. 1 Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State, who play on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
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