The Lowdown

The Cyclones started hot, jumping out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Tom Farniok, Quenton Bundrage and T.J. Mutcherson missed time with injuries and Kamari Cotton-Moya was ejected for targeting. Suddenly, an 80-yard touchdown run by Bison running back John Crockett opened up the Bison offense as the ISU offense stalled and North Dakota State led 17-14 at halftime.

The Cyclones stalled offensively in the third quarter, netting 16 yards of offense while allowing 10 more points, trailing 27-14. The fourth quarter was much of the same with the Bison cruising to a 34-14 win.

Turning Point

With a 14-0 lead, the Cyclones looked to be cruising both offensively and defensively. Center Tom Farniok went down with an injury that took him out of the game and the offense stalled. North Dakota State got pressure on the quarterback and found some offensive success of their own. Sam Richardson had two passes intercepted after being tipped off receivers’ hands. The Bison went on to score 34 unanswered points.

X-Factor

North Dakota State’s rushing game: The Cyclones’ inexperienced defensive front gave up 299 yards on the ground, including 138 yards and three touchdowns by Crockett. The Bison are known for their smash mouth-style football and after a slow start, the running game became unstoppable. 

By the Numbers

5-0 — North Dakota State’s record against Football Bowl Subdivision teams since 2010.

2-0 — ISU turnovers to NDSU turnovers

45.7 — Colin Downing’s yards per punt

64.5 — Completed pass percentage by quarterback Sam Richardson

503 — North Dakota State’s total yardage