FCS College Football

The North Dakota State Bison and James Madison Dukes are on a collision course to play in their second FCS football championship in three years. 

Since 2011, North Dakota State has won seven titles and is the two-time reigning champion, while James Madison won the championship three seasons ago. The Weber State Wildcats and Montana State Bobcats face difficult road matchups against the top two seeds. 

Montana State is the only program from outside the top four to advance to the semifinal, as its quarterfinal opponent, Austin Peay, knocked off No. 4 seed Sacramento State in the round of 16. 

The two semifinal winners will square off January 11 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, which has been the championship site since 2010.

                       

Quarterfinal Results

No. 2 James Madison 17, Northern Iowa 0

No. 3 Weber State 17, No. 6 Montana 10

No. 5 Montana State 24, Austin Peay 10

No. 1 North Dakota State 9, Illinois State 3

       

Semifinal Schedule

Saturday, December 21

No. 3 Weber State at No. 2 James Madison (Time TBD)

No. 5 Montana State at No. 1 North Dakota State (Time TBD)

               

Previews

No. 5 Montana State at No. 1 North Dakota State

Montana State, which is making its first semifinal appearance since 1984, scored the most points of any quarterfinal victor. 

The Bobcats come into the Fargodome with six consecutive victories, but earning a seventh will be its most difficult challenge of the season. 

Running back Isaiah Ifanse could put the Bison under duress if he produces at the same clip as Friday night. Ifanse carried the ball 26 times for 196 yards and a score for a Montana State offense that racked up 279 rushing yards on 49 touches. On Saturday, North Dakota State allowed 157 yards on the ground in its tight victory over Illinois State. 

Even though the Redbirds discovered some success, the Bison were able to keep them in check by allowed just three of 12 third-down conversion attempts. 

The 9-3 victory was a rare offensive struggle for the two-time reigning champions, who rank fourth in the FCS in scoring offense with 39.8 points per game. 

The Bison defense could be the difference-maker in the semifinal, as it allows the fewest points per game in the FCS at 12.3. 

In eight home contests, the top seed has held opponents to a combined 98 points, including just 16 in the first two playoff rounds. 

If the defense continues to play at a high level, quarterback Trey Lance could lead the offense out of the rut that it unexpectedly slipped into Saturday. 

Lance ranks third in the FCS in completion percentage, and he totaled 176 combined yards versus Illinois State. In the playoff opener, he racked up 257 total yards and three scores. 

If the North Dakota State quarterback hurts the Bobcats in both aspects of the offense, the No. 1 seed could avoid a tight affair and move on to the championship. 

                      

No. 3 Weber State at No. 2 James Madison 

James Madison started its quest for a third final appearance in four years by outscoring Monmouth and Northern Iowa 83-21. 

The Dukes shut out Northern Iowa, which upset seventh-seeded South Dakota State, in one of Friday's three semifinals. In the 17-0 win, the No. 2 seed's defense was remarkable, as it allowed 114 total yards and did not allow the Panthers over midfield until the final drive. 

Percy Agyei-Obese and Jawon Hamilton combined for 186 rushing yards on 54 carries and Ben Dinucci went 19-for-28 with 157 passing yards and a touchdown. 

James Madison boasts a potent duo of the top-ranked FCS scoring offense and the third-best scoring defense. North Dakota State is the only other program that ranks in the top 10 of both categories, and that is one of the many reasons a final featuring the top two seeds would be so highly anticipated. 

Weber State is making its first semifinal appearance, and it had five interceptions against Montana to earn the trip to Virginia next Saturday. 

The Wildcats only had 113 total yards on 59 plays, which could be a concern going into the next round because of how explosive their opponents can be. 

Jake Constantine, whose third-quarter touchdown pass put Weber State ahead for good, has to be wary of John Daka and Ron'Dell Carter, who both rank in the top 15 in sacks. 

In eight home games, the Dukes have allowed two opponents over 20 points. One was against Monmouth in a blowout playoff win, and the other was versus Villanova, which put up 24 on October 12. 

In total, James Madison has outscored home foes 357-96. That dominance, combined with its experience at this stage of the season, should power the No. 2 seed into the title clash. 

                      

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from NCAA.com.

North Dakota State will look for another FCS football championship after being named the No. 1 overall seed of the 2019 playoffs.

After winning the last two championships and seven of the last eight, the Bison are favored once again as the only undefeated team in the country with a 12-0 record. Meanwhile, top seeds like James Madison, Weber State and Sacramento State will do their best to ensure another team will come home with a title this season. 

With a single-elimination tournament, however, any of the 24 teams have a chance to bring home a championship.

Here is a breakdown of the full FCS tournament.

    

Bracket

THE BRACKET #FCSPlayoffs ➡️ https://t.co/oSXNTKTtGw pic.twitter.com/DiXfmFNSX9

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) November 24, 2019

Interactive bracket available at NCAA.com.

     

Seeds

1. North Dakota State

2. James Madison

3. Weber State

4. Sacramento State

5. Montana State

6. Montana 

7. South Dakota State

8. Central Arkansas

     

Tournament Schedule

First Round: Nov. 30

Second Round: Dec. 7

Quarterfinals: Dec. 14

Semifinals: Dec. 21

National Championship: Jan. 11

   

Preview

North Dakota State is the clear favorite after cruising through the schedule with 12 wins and zero losses, only one game decided by single digits. The team ranks first in FCS with just 12.3 points allowed per game while ranking sixth with 40 points scored per game.

Trey Lance has done everything for the Bison offensively, throwing 23 touchdown passes while rushing for 10 more scores this season.

With talent and depth across the board, it will take a lot to beat this team.

However, South Dakota State was close with a 23-16 loss in October, and several other teams could make things interesting this postseason.

James Madison could make a run behind Ben DiNucci and an offense that averages 42.3 points per game. The squad loves to run the ball with an average of 249 rushing yards per game, featuring five different players with at least 300 yards on the season.

Considering the team's only loss came against FBS squad West Virginia, only by one score, the Dukes will be dangerous.

Two Montana Big Sky squads could contend for a title as well, although Montana State has a lot more momentum after throttling Montana 48-14 the last time out. Still, both teams have the type of talent necessary to surprise some people with a strong showing over the next month.

     

All stats courtesy of NCAA.com and team sites.

The North Dakota State Bison won their second straight national title and completed an undefeated season with a 38-24 victory over the Eastern Washington Eagles in Saturday's FCS National Championship Game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

It's the sixth championship in the past seven years for NDSU and the school's seventh at FCS level, breaking a tie with Georgia Southern for the most in history. The only playoff defeat during its current dynasty came in 2016, when it lost to the eventual champion James Madison Dukes in the semifinals.

Eastern Washington was bidding to win its second national title (2010).

Senior quarterback Easton Stick led the way once again for the Bison by playing a role in all five of the team's touchdowns (three rushing and two passing). Both scoring throws were to senior wide receiver Darrius Shepherd, who finished the game with five catches for 125 yards.

The final score isn't indicative of the contest's level of competitiveness.

Eastern Washington fell behind by 14 midway through the second quarter but on three separate occasions fought back within a single score. The margin never exceeded two scores.

The Eagles provided the game's most memorable moment despite the loss with a fake field goal right before halftime:

🚨 FAKE FIELD GOAL TD 🚨

(via @NCAA_FCS)pic.twitter.com/VU4vfkiyNA

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 5, 2019

Saturday's clash also featured three touchdowns in a 68-second span early in the third quarter as two Stick touchdown passes sandwiched a 75-yard run to paydirt for EWU's Sam McPherson.

They come up with the longest pass of the year in FRISCO!@NDSUFootball Easton Stick with a 75 Yard 💣 to Shepherd 😱#FCSChampionship 🏆
3rd Quarter
EWU - 17
NDSU - 31 pic.twitter.com/rKoB8Z5NS1

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) January 5, 2019

Although North Dakota State appeared in firm control for most of the second half, Eastern Washington made one last push in the game's final minutes.

After a missed field goal by the Bison's Cam Pedersen, the Eagles covered 80 yards in just four plays and 62 seconds to get back within seven with 2:19 left in the final quarter.

The underdog's comeback efforts came up short, though. Stick converted a crucial third down by keeping the ball on an option and running 46 yards to the house to close out his collegiate career in fine fashion.

It also marked a perfect send-off for head coach Chris Klieman, who's making the jump to the FBS to lead the Big 12's Kansas State Wildcats starting next season.

             

What's Next?

The focus of the college football world now shifts to the FBS' CFP National Championship on Monday night between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers.

North Dakota State has an opportunity to add another ring to its FCS football dynasty Saturday. 

The Bison, who have won six of the last seven championships, face off against 2010 winner Eastern Washington in Frisco, Texas. 

As if it needed any extra motivation, North Dakota State is attempting to send off head coach Chris Klieman with his fourth FCS title. Klieman is replacing Bill Snyder at Kansas State. 

The Eagles are back in the title clash for the first time since conquering the FCS in 2010 with a victory over Delaware.

A year after Eastern Washington captured its lone title, North Dakota State began one of the most dominant championship runs in sports. 

                                

2019 FCS Championship Information

Date: Saturday, January 5

Time: Noon ET 

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: Watch ESPN or ESPN app

                         

Preview

It's no surprise that North Dakota State comes into Toyota Stadium as the favorite to take home the FCS football crown. 

In their three playoff games, the Bison outscored opponents 131-31, with the closest win coming in the semifinal round against rival South Dakota State when winning 44-21.

Quarterback Easton Stick is the driving force of the Bison offense, and he's coming off a three-touchdown performance in the air against the Jackrabbits. 

Stick's career is littered with honors, as he holds the most wins by a player at the FCS level and is the defending FCS Championship Most Outstanding Player. 

Stick is one of 24 seniors on the Bison roster hoping to send Klieman off to the FBS with a victory, and the departing head coach shares the same motivation. 

Although his responsibilities at Kansas State are looming, Klieman is focused on a victory Saturday and nothing else, per Anthony Chuisano of NCAA.com.

"I'm smart enough to realize this is my last chance to go down to Frisco," Klieman said. "More importantly for me, with 24 seniors that I helped bring in here with a lot of other help, bring these guys in, and I'm going to enjoy the journey. I'm going to enjoy the journey with those guys and have some fun as well."

Stick isn't only player hoping to make an offensive impact for the Bison, as running back Bruce Anderson headlines a deep group of players that line up next to Stick in the backfield. 

Eastern Washington also boasts a strong running game, which is led by running back Sam McPherson, who has 1,386 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

The Eagles have found plenty of success of their own offensively during the FCS tournament, but they haven't been as dominant as the Bison. Aaron Best's team won its three playoff contests by a combined score of 126-69.

With all the talented playmakers on the field, the FCS Championship should be one of the more entertaining clashes of the season, but it could also turn into a defensive struggle. 

North Dakota State ranks fifth in the FCS in total defense, as it's conceded 284.4 yards per game. 

In their six FCS Championship victories, the Bison gave up an average of 12.6 points per contest, with Illinois State in 2014 being the lone opponent to score more than 20 points. 

If Eastern Washington is able to stop the Bison, linebacker Ketner Kupp will be one of the reasons why, 

Kupp, who is the younger brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, is motivated by a last-second touchdown the Eagles gave up two years ago in the semifinals, as he told Chuisano. 

"I had a little saying on my phone that I'd look at the entire offseason to kind of remind me what I wanted to avoid for the rest of my career and just making sure I was ready for whatever opportunity came," Kupp said.

The defeat to Youngstown State two years ago marked the third time the Eagles were eliminated in the semifinals after their 2010 triumph.

The Eagles know how close they've been in the past, and that will help motivate them to put up their best fight against one of the FCS powerhouses.

                             

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from NCAA.com.

Stop if you've heard this before: No. 1 North Dakota State (14-0) is headed to the FCS Championship. After handling rival South Dakota State in the semifinal by a score of 44-21, the defending champion Bison will play in the championship for the seventh time since 2011—having won all of their previous six appearances.

What's different about the 2018 FCS Championship Game, though, is the opponent. North Dakota State has never faced No. 3 Eastern Washington (12-2) on the biggest stage. After taking care of Maine 50-19 on Saturday afternoon, the Eastern Washington Eagles will join the Bison in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 5.

The game will be televised on ESPN2 beginning at noon ET.

No, that wasn't a dream...

The Bison are headed back to Frisco for 7th time!#FCSPlayoffs #RaiseTheBar 🤘 pic.twitter.com/edxm487yf8

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

This will be Eastern Washington's second appearance in the FCS Championship—the last coming in 2010, which they won.

Based on each team's semifinal performances, the ground game will feature heavily in the championship game. NDSU senior quarterback Easton Stick rushed for 147 yards and three touchdowns as the Bison accumulated 439 rushing yards on 49 total carries split between six ball-carriers.

Eastern Washington sophomore quarterback Eric Barriere shouldered the Eagles through the air against Maine with seven touchdowns and 352 yards on 21-of-30 passing. Barriere's target of choice was senior Nsimba Webster, who finished the game with 188 yards and four touchdowns on nine receptions.

On top of that, the Eagles gashed the Black Bears for 216 yards on the ground between six ball-carriers.

This @EWUFootball duo is WHOA! 🔥#FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/spp1dsSk1T

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

Barriere took over as starting quarterback in October after senior Gage Gubrud suffered a career-ending toe injury. With Barriere under center, the Eagles have gone 8-1—their last loss coming on Oct. 13.

NDSU will have extra incentive. On top of looking to become the first FCS program to win seven championships, the Bison will be sending off head coach Chris Klieman. Klieman has already been named Kansas State's head coach beginning next season.

With a win on Jan. 5, Klieman will tie Jim Tressel as the FCS coach with most championship wins (four).

With a win in Frisco, Stick will have his 49th career victory and become the winningest FCS quarterback in history—a record he is currently tied for with former NDSU quarterback Brock Jensen.

"Never underestimate the power of people that love each other, are honest with each other and will battle for each other," Klieman said after his team's semifinal win on Friday night. He has been head coach since 2014.

His final interview in the Fargodome as the @NDSUFootball head coach... #Raisethebar pic.twitter.com/swXkdjqOk2

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

The last time these two teams faced off came in Week 2 of the 2017 season on Sept. 9 at Eastern Washington. The Bison dominated and won 40-13 with a team largely the same as the one that will show up in Frisco—NDSU sports 24 seniors. But Jan. 5 will be the first time NDSU plays a Barriere-led Eagles squad.

Eastern Washington is onto the FCS national championship game after its 50-19 blowout win over Maine in Saturday's semifinals.

Eagles quarterback Eric Barriere threw seven touchdown passes in the game, four of them to Nsimba Webster in a dominant offensive performance. The squad led 28-0 at halftime and held on in the second half as the tournament's No. 3 seed advanced in the playoffs with its 11th win of the season.

Eastern Washington will now take on No. 1 North Dakota State on Jan. 5 with the Bison seeking their seventh championship in the last eight years.

The Eagles entered the game with the No. 4 scoring offense in FCS and showed why with touchdowns on three of their first four drives.

Barriere was efficient throughout, finding the open man to finish off the drives. His connection with Webster was especially impressive while scoring from nearly anywhere on the field:

The Eags are taking off! 🦅

Barriere tosses his 3rd TD of the day to Webster for a @EWUFootball 21-0 lead! #FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/mqwPOI9eXI

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

Eagles Touchdown!
9 plays
90 yards

ALL EAGLES! pic.twitter.com/MV7MbQNilF

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

🦅 TOUCHDOWN TRACKER

5️⃣ Eric Barriere
3️⃣ Nsimba Webster#FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/QBAk9qC4Db

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

🦅 TOUCHDOWN TRACKER

6️⃣ Eric Barriere
4️⃣ Nsimba Webster#FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/5YenjINdpQ

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

The sophomore quarterback ended his day with 352 passing yards, 53 rushing yards and seven scores. Webster was nearly as impressive with nine catches for 188 yards and four touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the defense did its job while forcing numerous punts and four turnovers.

Travis Lazarczyk of the Morning Sentinel noted a major difference in the two sides:

Eastern Washington looks a little faster than Maine at every position. Not a lot, but that little bit has been the difference so far. #FCS

— Travis Lazarczyk (@TLazarczykMTM) December 15, 2018

Maine had a little bit of luck in the third quarter as an Eastern Washington mistake led to a safety. The underdogs showed some life after this during what became a 19-point third quarter.

This Andre Miller touchdown was easily the Black Bears' best play of the game:

Black Bears TOUCHDOWN!

Ferguson tosses a dart to Andre Miller for a 47 yard TD.

Maine - 12
EWU - 35
3rd | 7: 02#FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/VdkRE0JiJc

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 15, 2018

Barriere kept applying pressure, though, helping Eastern Washington reach the 50-point mark for the sixth time this season.

With the way the quarterback was throwing the football, few teams in the country would have been able to stay with the Eagles on the scoreboard.

Maine was the No. 7 seed and showed how dangerous it could be with its upset win over No. 2 Weber State in the quarterfinals. However, its usually strong run defense was nowhere to be found as Eastern Washington ran for 216 yards on 5.8 per carry.

Chris Ferguson had 325 passing yards but also threw two interceptions while finishing just 28-of-56 passing. It was an outstanding season for the Black Bears, but they simply couldn't keep up in this game.

Meanwhile, there is one more game for the Eagles as they try to win their second football national championship after bringing home the trophy in 2010.

North Dakota State quarterback Easton Stick had 147 rushing yards and three touchdowns in addition to 169 passing yards and another score as top-seeded NDSU beat No. 5-seeded South Dakota State 44-21 in the Division I-FCS football semifinals at the FargoDome in Fargo, North Dakota, on Friday.

NDSU running back Bruce Anderson added 93 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.

Running back Pierre Strong Jr. had 135 rushing yards and one touchdown for the Jackrabbits, who finished their season with a 10-3 record.

SDSU hung with NDSU for one half, as the Bison led just 14-7 heading into halftime. A game closely resembling the Bison's 21-17 win over NDSU earlier this year wasn't out of the question.

However, a Seth Wilson 78-yard run to start the second half set the tone for NDSU. Anderson then scored the first of his three touchdowns on a one-yard run, but SDSU bounced back with a Taryn Christion touchdown pass to Blake Kunz.

However, Anderson then scored on consecutive drives to help give NDSU a 35-14 lead. Christion then found Cade Johnson for a 52-yard score, but NDSU closed the game with nine straight points.

Ultimately, Stick simply couldn't be stopped, and that was the story of NDSU's 14th win this season. Of note, his touchdown run to give the Bison a 13-7 lead was arguably his highlight of the game:

Easton Stick will not be denied. pic.twitter.com/wH04BZ2nuu

— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) December 15, 2018

Dane Brugler of The Athletic even touted his potential NFL prospects prior to NDSU's 35-0 quarterfinal win over Colgate on Saturday:

NDST QB Easton Stick is the top guy. He's draftable and capable of carving out a long NFL career IMO. Also keep an eye on the RBs: Bruce Anderson and Lance Dunn for NDST and James Holland for Colgate. https://t.co/rT7E0yhoF0

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 8, 2018

NDSU now has a chance to win its seventh FCS championship in eight seasons. 

Either No. 7 Maine or No. 3 Eastern Washington will attempt to stop the Bison from accomplishing that feat. EWU is the host for the second semifinal, which is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

NDSU's dominance during this particular season stands out in the midst of its championship run. Before the game, NDSU ranked 20th in the Sagarin ratings, which lumps FBS and FCS teams together on one list. NDSU's highest mark on that list occurred at the conclusion of the 2013 season, when the 15-0 Bison finished 17th. NDSU can match or surpass that No. 17 ranking with another win, however.

The Bison's next stop is Frisco, Texas, the home of the FCS championship. That contest will take place on Saturday, January 5, at noon ET.

One of the most explosive offensive college football teams in the country will put its skill on display Saturday in the FCS playoffs

The Eastern Washington Eagles (11-2) host the Maine Black Bears (10-3) in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs in a game that kicks off at 2 p.m. ET. It will be televised on ESPN 2.

If the seventh-seeded Black Bears are going to win on the road and advance to the FCS Championship Game, they are going to have to overcome a formidable opponent.

No. 3 seed Eastern Washington can move the ball with ease, and that has led to some spectacular scoring efforts.

Eastern Washington is averaging 538.3 yards per game, and the balance has been phenomenal. The Eagles are averaging slightly more than 266 yards on the ground and 271 yards through the air. As a result of that even-handed production, they are difficult to defend and are scoring 44.3 points per game.

While there are no guarantees that the Black Bears will be able to handle their talented opponents' game plan, they are qualified to do so. Maine ranks seventh in the FCS on defense, allowing 293.5 yards per game, and are especially stingy against the run. The Black Bears simply choke off the run, allowing fewer than 69 rushing yards per game.

Eastern Washington is led by quarterback Eric Barriere, who can get the job done through the air or with his legs. He has gained 550 yards on the ground and scored seven touchdowns, and he has thrown for 1,900 yards and has 17 TD passes.

Senior Sam McPherson is the key to the Eastern Washington ground game, as he has gained 1,288 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. 

Nsimba Webster has been Barriere's top receiver, and he has caught 71 passes for 1,099 yards and seven score. A dozen Eastern Washington receivers have caught TD passes this year.

"That's an extremely talented offense," said Maine head coach Joe Harasymiak, per Mike Lowe of the Portland Press Herald. "And the defense is another solid defense. It's a solid team overall and they're playing well. They understand the scheme each side is trying to execute."

Maine has a ground-oriented offense led by Ramon Jefferson. The redshirt freshman has rushed for 972 yards, and he gets help from Joe Fitzpatrick, who has 442 rushing yards.

Quarterback Chris Ferguson likes to spread the ball around, and five of his receivers have caught 30 passes or more. Ferguson has completed 181 of 317 passes for 2,047 yards with 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The winner of this game earns a spot in the FCS title game in Frisco, Texas, on January 5 against the winner of Friday's North Dakota State-South Dakota State game.

Maine defeated Jacksonville State 55-27 and upset second-seeded Weber State 23-18 to advance to the semifinals. Eastern Washington pounded Nicholls State 42-21, and the Eagles got by UC Davis 34-29 in its two playoff games.

    

Prediction

Maine has a well-rounded offense and a strong defense, but the Black Bears have a huge challenge on their hands. Not only do they have to travel 3,000 miles to play this game, but they will also see the best offensive team the Black Bears have played against this season.

Eastern Washington has a sophisticated, dangerous and balanced offense, and it's difficult to see the Black Bears slowing them down for more than a series or two per half.

The Eagles are not going to lose on their home field, and they are going to come away with a 38-28 victory and advance to the title game in Frisco.

One of the fiercest rivalries in FCS football takes center stage Friday night in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs. 

North Dakota State has been the more successful side in its rivalry with South Dakota State of late, with its most-recent victory coming in September in Fargo, North Dakota. 

The Jackrabbits gained some traction in the rivalry with regular-season wins in 2016 and 2017, but the Bison have come away with victories in three postseason meetings. 

Friday's showdown at the Fargodome comes with a new wrinkle, as North Dakota State head coach Chris Klieman is headed to Kansas State after the postseason is over. 

The top-seeded Bison are trying to send Klieman off with his fourth national championship since 2014, but the fifth-seeded Jackrabbits have been impressive in their own right during the postseason. 

                             

Game Information

Date: Friday, December 14

Start Time: 8 p.m. ET 

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: Watch ESPN or ESPN app 

                

Preview

North Dakota State controlled its portion of the bracket to land a spot in the semifinals, which is a familiar destination for the program. 

The Bison rolled past Montana State in their first playoff game and shutout Colgate in the quarterfinals to land the rematch with their bitter rival. 

In the 35-0 win over Colgate, quarterback Easton Stick completed 14 of his 19 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Bruce Anderson balanced the Bison offense with 124 rushing yards and a score on 12 carries. 

While the offense has put up impressive numbers in the postseason, North Dakota State's fourth-ranked FCS defense is contributing its share of big plays as well. 

The Bison rank 10th in passing yards allowed per game and 12th in rushing yards conceded per contest, which makes them one of the most complete units in all of college football. 

On top of being an all-around juggernaut, the Bison are playing with even more motivation, as they want to finish Klieman's time at the school with a national championship, as linebacker Dan Marlette told Matt Zimmer of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

"It definitely is [a big motivator]," Marlette said. "The thing about it is Coach Klieman handled it so well. He did it in a way that the whole team is behind him and proud of him. We just want to end this last home game on a win for him."

John Stiegelmeier's Jackrabbits have the opportunity to ruin Klieman's perfect farewell at a stage where they suffered heartbreak a year ago at the hands of James Madison. 

After falling in the semifinals a year ago, the Jackrabbits had to watch North Dakota State win yet another FCS title. 

South Dakota State wants to experience the feeling its rival to the north has on multiple occasions, and last season's run to the semifinals is driving the experienced players on the squad, including linebacker Christian Rozeboom.

With unfinished business still haunting them and wanting to reverse a 0-3 playoff record against the Bison, Rozeboom and his teammates have a wealth of motivation, as he told Dave Kolpack of the Associated Press (h/t NCAA.com).

"Obviously they're a good team. But we're a good team, too, so we'll see how that rolls," Rozeboom said. "We're just trying to take that next step every single time. Obviously we haven't done what we've wanted to yet. Getting to Frisco is the ultimate goal and winning there."

In order to advance to the championship in Frisco, Texas, on January 5, the Jackrabbits need a strong performance out of senior quarterback Taryn Christion, who has 2,840 passing yards, and wide receiver Cade Johnson, who has hauled in 16 touchdown catches to complement his 1,243 receiving yards. 

However, the X-factor for South Dakota State will be its rushing game. In the regular-season meeting between the two sides, Isaac Wallace ran for 112 yards and a touchdown for the Jackrabbits. 

In the quarterfinal win over Kennesaw State, the Jackrabbits used 112 yards and a touchdown from Pierre Strong to attack the fourth-seeded Owls with a balanced offense. 

If South Dakota State is able to achieve a similar balance Friday, it'll once again force a close game in Fargo.

Although the Jackrabbits are capable of coming out on top, the Bison have a higher motivation to get the job done Friday, and they'll move on to the FCS final against either Maine or Eastern Washington in the first week of 2019. 

                         

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90

North Dakota State has dominated the FCS playoffs in recent seasons, and Saturday was no different.

The top-seeded Bison handily defeated No. 8 Colgate 35-0 to advance to the semifinals. North Dakota State has won the FCS Championship in six of the previous seven seasons. The Bison have made the semifinals in eight consecutive years.

No. 3 Eastern Washington, No. 5 South Dakota State and No. 7 Maine were the other three teams to win in the quarterfinals and advance to the semis.

North Dakota State will host South Dakota State in the semifinals next weekend.

Senior quarterback Easton Stick led North Dakota State's victory over Colgate, passing for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Senior running back Bruce Anderson had 124 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Colgate allowed only nine touchdowns in its first 11 games but then gave up five to North Dakota State.

     

Updated Bracket

No. 1 North Dakota State vs. No. 5 South Dakota State

No. 3 Eastern Washington vs. No. 7 Maine

One semifinal matchup will take place on Friday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. ET, while the other will be played on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. ET. It has not yet been determined which matchup will be in which time slot, but both games will air live on ESPN2.

The winners of the two semifinal matchups advance to the championship game on Jan. 5 at noon ET on ESPN2.

     

Quarterfinal Scores

Friday, Dec. 7

Maine 23, Weber State 18

     

Saturday, Dec. 8

North Dakota State 35, Colgate 0
South Dakota State 27, Kennesaw State 17
Eastern Washington 34, UC Davis 29

     

Jackrabbits Ready for Rematch

South Dakota State has lost only two games this season. But one of those was a 21-17 loss to North Dakota State on Sept. 29.

Now, the Jackrabbits will get another chance to take down the Bison in the semifinals. North Dakota State eliminated South Dakota State from the playoffs in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

South Dakota State notched a 27-17 victory over Kennesaw State in Saturday's quarterfinal matchup. The Jackrabbits built a 17-3 lead by halftime and then held off a late push by the Owls.

Kennesaw State cut its deficit to 20-17 with 6:42 remaining. However, South Dakota State senior quarterback Taryn Christion scored a 15-yard touchdown run with 2:22 remaining to seal the Jackrabbits' victory.

Kennesaw State had won 15 games in a row at home, which was the third-longest streak in FCS entering Saturday.

     

Eagles Hold On, Advance

Eastern Washington beat UC Davis on Saturday, but it came down to a wild finish.

UC Davis took a 29-28 lead when junior quarterback Jake Maier threw a three-yard touchdown pass to freshman running back Ulonzo Gilliam and then scored a two-point conversion with a pass to senior running back Namane Modise with 1:13 to go in the fourth quarter.

However, Eastern Washington quickly responded, as senior running back Sam McPherson scored a 35-yard touchdown run with 26 seconds remaining. The Eagles then held on for the victory, improving to 11-2 and notching their sixth straight win.

This was the second time that Eastern Washington beat UC Davis this season. The Eagles earned a 59-20 win over the Aggies on Nov. 10.

Eastern Washington will host another playoff game next weekend, as Maine comes to town for a semifinal matchup.