In a heart-stopping FCS semifinal showdown, the North Dakota State Bison outlasted the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 28-21 to punch their ticket to the national championship game. The pivotal moment came with just over 4 minutes remaining, when NDSU receiver Bryce Lance made a spectacular one-handed touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone to put the Bison ahead for good.
Lance Brothers Connection Proves Decisive
On a day when points were hard to come by between these evenly matched rivals, it was the connection between Bison quarterback Cam Miller and receiver Bryce Lance that ultimately tipped the scales. The duo hooked up for three touchdowns, none bigger than the game-winner that Bryce somehow hauled in with one hand despite tight coverage.
I just threw it up and trusted Bryce to make a play. That’s exactly what he did. Championship players make championship plays.
– NDSU quarterback Cam Miller on the game-winning touchdown
For Bryce, it was a moment of redemption after dropping what would have been another touchdown earlier in the game. The younger brother of NFL quarterback Trey Lance finished with 6 catches for 125 yards to lead all receivers.
Bison Defense Stands Tall
While the Lance brothers shined brightest, it was a complete team effort that carried NDSU to victory. The Bison defense came up with several crucial stops, none more important than Mark Gronowski’s 4th down sack to seal the win. The Jackrabbits had one final chance to tie it, but the NDSU pass rush didn’t give Gronowski time to find an open man.
- NDSU held SDSU to just 21 points, well below their season average of 35 PPG
- The Bison defense racked up 4 sacks and 8 tackles for loss
Dynasty Meets Destiny
With the thrilling semifinal win, North Dakota State advances to the FCS championship game for the 10th time in the last 12 seasons. The Bison captured 9 national titles between 2011-2021, cementing their status as one of the greatest dynasties in college football history. After coming up short in last year’s semifinals, NDSU will now have a chance to add to its incredible championship legacy.
This is what we dream about, getting to Frisco and competing for national championships. We came up short of our goal last year. Now we have an opportunity to finish the job.
– NDSU head coach Matt Entz
Standing in the way will be the winner of the other semifinal between top-seeded Montana State and #4 seed South Dakota. No matter the opponent, the Bison will undoubtedly enter the title tilt as the betting favorite given their remarkable pedigree and wealth of championship experience. With a roster full of NFL-caliber talent and an unmatched winning culture, betting against NDSU has proven unwise over the past decade.
Frisco Awaits the Herd
The stage is now set for North Dakota State to make yet another trip to Frisco, Texas – a place that has become a second home for the Bison faithful. NDSU will be playing for FCS championship #10, a staggering number that may never be matched. Led by the Lance brothers, a suffocating defense, and a coaching staff well-versed in winning the biggest games, the Bison look primed to add to their trophy collection.
The national championship game will take place on January 6th at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. NDSU fans will undoubtedly paint the town green and gold in anticipation of watching their beloved Bison compete for yet another title. With a thrilling semifinal win over their biggest rival now in the rearview mirror, North Dakota State’s focus shifts to finishing the job and further cementing its legacy as the greatest dynasty in FCS history. Frisco has become the Bison’s home away from home – and they’re heading back yet again, thanks to some late-game heroics from Bryce Lance and company against SDSU.
