NDSU and UND Set For FCS Playoff Matchups

NDSU and UND will each begin their playoff runs Saturday at home

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota and North Dakota State each finished their regular seasons with wins yesterday and are now on to the FCS Playoffs.  North Dakota State had a rollercoaster of a regular season but finished with wins over Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa. The Bison’s 48-27 victory over the Northern Iowa Panthers puts them at eight wins and three losses entering the playoffs. The Bison took an early lead and never looked back in yesterday’s win, a performance highlighted by explosive plays on both sides of the ball including a 65 yard rushing touchdown by Cole Payton on offense and a 75 yard interception returned for a touchdown by Cole Wisniewski in the 4th quarter.

The Bison are now set for a showdown with the Drake Bulldogs at the Fargodome this Saturday. The Bulldogs also come into this one with an 8 and 3 record just like NDSU. That one kicks off at 2:30 PM. The winner of that one travels to Bozeman Montana to take on the Montana State Bobcats who earned a first round bye. That game will be played Saturday December 2nd.

As for the Fighting Hawks, North Dakota remained undefeated at home on the season with a final win over Illinois State yesterday afternoon. The Fighting Hawks playoff chances came down to the wire with UND trailing 21-16 with under five minutes remaning. Senior quarterback, Tommy Schuster orchestrated a game winning drive that concluded with a Gaven Ziebarth touchdown to secure the 22-21 win at the Alerus Center. North Dakota finishes their regular season 7 and 4. They’ll now have another home game coming up Saturday. The Fighting Hawks host the Sacramento State Saturday at noon. Both teams come into the game with 7 and 4 records. The winner will advance to visit South Dakota.