#1 Sam Houston State vs #2 North Dakota State

[Mr. C]

Really poor interview by Jerry Rice. Did he really call NDSU North Dakota?

[Mr. C]

Interception for SHSU by Kenneth Jenkins. SHSU got good pressure on Jensen to force an under-throw.

[HailSzczur]

Can't get much easier of an INT than that

[RabidRabbit]

Bison will struggle, as would any team, if lose the TO battle by more than 2.

[RabidRabbit]

Really poor interview by Jerry Rice. Did he really call NDSU North Dakota?

Yep.

He doesn't follow his alma mater, as MVSU has been slaughtered twice by the NDSU Bison during their transition years.

[Mr. C]

The announcer just mentioned Rob Ambrose and Terrance West of Towsend State. What idiots!

[HailSzczur]

Really poor interview by Jerry Rice. Did he really call NDSU North Dakota?

Well they just said Ambrose coached Towson State. Maybe he could send his extra state to NDSU

[Mr. C]

Yep.

He doesn't follow his alma mater, as MVSU has been slaughtered twice by the NDSU Bison during their transition years.

Considering that his QB Willie Totten was the MVSU coach then, that is even worse for Rice. That was a REALLY BAD interview. Poor work by ESPN2 thus far.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

NDSU's defense is so frickin' good....

[Mr. C]

Well they just said Ambrose coached Towson State. Maybe he could send his extra state to NDSU

He actually called it Townsend State, not even Towson.

[Mr. C]

NDSU's defense is so frickin' good....

This is like watching Delaware manhandle Colgate (2003), or Montana stuff Furman (2001) so far.

[HailSzczur]

Considering that his QB Willie Totten was the MVSU coach then, that is even worse for Rice. That was a REALLY BAD interview. Poor work by ESPN2 thus far.

I vote we assemble a AGS crew to work the booth for next years game. It be a hell of alot cheaper to get guys who'd work for free....

[robsnotes4u]

Reminds of a team GSU who was unstoppable and would run over the Bison. Game isn't over but like Montana, NDSU will tire out their line

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

[Mr. C]

five yard loss for Ryan Smith on the jet sweep.

[Houndawg]

I hated the unoriginal third-down call. Why not bootleg with Jensen on third down and give him a run-pass option?

nope. shsu d too fast, vital for ndsu to score first points.

[Mr. C]

Jensen is clobbered by Will Henry. Helmet to the lower back. Could have been called a spear.

[BEAR]

Ouch...speed kills. LOL

[RabidRabbit]

Scissors hit on Brock Jensen.

Jensen get sent to bench.

[Mr. C]

nope. shsu d too fast, vital for ndsu to score first points.
What is that suppose to mean? NDSU is holding its own speed-wise.

[Mr. C]

Partially blocked punt to midfield by SHSU.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I believe this is Bison ball.

[Mr. C]

Ouch...speed kills. LOL

I don't see SHSU having a huge speed advantage on NDSU. The Bison have held their own in that department.

[Mr. C]

I believe this is Bison ball.

The replay shows the officials got it right.

[patssle]

Didn't even touch the ball. But keep boo'ing Bison fans! xlolx

[Houndawg]

What is that suppose to mean? NDSU is holding its own speed-wise.

I mean that ndsu had to come away with points of any kind, i think they needed to score first to win, ergo very conservative on the goal line with a smash mouth team. Next trip I'll go for it on 4th down.

[Mr. C]

This game reminds me of the 1997 game between Youngstown State and McNeese State thus far. The 10-9 YSU win.

[Mr. C]

I mean that ndsu had to come away with points of any kind, i think they needed to score first to win, ergo very conservative on the goal line with a smash mouth team. Next trip I'll go for it on 4th down.

The way the Bison have been playing defense, I would have taken my chances on fourth down. You win titles with TDs.

[Mr. C]

First time Flanders has gotten untracked with a 16-yard run.

[Mr. C]

More great defense for the Bison.

[Mr. C]

Like the way NDSU is playing gap responsibility.

[Mr. C]

Flanders with 13 to the 16 for Flanders.

[RabidRabbit]

Nice 13 yd slant by Flanders.

[Houndawg]

The way the Bison have been playing defense, I would have taken my chances on fourth down. You win titles with TDs.

Me too for the rest of the game, just didn't want to screw up getting the first points because I think ndsus chances were worse if shsu scored first.

[Mr. C]

Flanders with a nice run to the seven. Second and one.

[Mr. C]

Preston Evans with a nice hit on Flanders at the six. Second and goal.

[Mr. C]

Sincere from the wildcat hands to Flanders for another loss of one. Run blitz, third and 7.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Wow, you gotta catch that ball son!!

[Mr. C]

Bell on a bootleg pass to Ryan Wilson and low throw and a drop at the goal line.

[Mr. C]

Bad angle kick is good. 3-3 tie with 2:14 left in the half.

[RabidRabbit]

Both teams into X & goal and only FG to show for it.

Great D match-up!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

This game is playing out at a Bison's pace.

[paward]

I do not want to hear shat about Penn State at half-time!

[Mr. C]

Jensen is back in there.

[Mr. C]

Nearly another interception for SHSU.

[robsnotes4u]

Good d-line play by SHSU

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

[Mr. C]

Nice 25-yard return for SHSU. Key missed tackle.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

SHSU seems to have a little more big play potential.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

SHSU should have taken a shot on first down! Too conservative...

[Mr. C]

1:44 for SHSU to move from just inside the NDSU 40. Wilson two yards on a first down run. Chad Wilson on the stop. Another poor pass on second down. Bell has looked shaky.

[Mr. C]

Bell hit Williams on third and 8 for 17 yards to the 18.

[Mr. C]

Bell throw away in the end zone could have been picked by John Pike.

[Mr. C]

Another pass is batted down by Marcus Williams.

[Mr. C]

Underneath throw by Bell to Williams is well short of the first down. Field goal time.

[Mr. C]

31-yard field goal is good. SHSU 6, NDSU 3 with 40 seconds left in the half.

[patssle]

Good thing we're not FBS...the entire country would be *****ing about being a boring game of field goals.

[ThompsonThe]

What a scoring frenzy

[Mr. C]

NDSU's defense is holding the Bison in the game, despite a lot of mistakes on offense and special teams.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I still think this game will open up a bit more in the second half. I like what SHSU is doing minus that first down play following the punt return.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

This game still has a Bison pace. I think the Bearkats have to be upset with 2 FGs in the Red Zone in the half.

[JMUNJ08]

Good thing we're not FBS...the entire country would be *****ing about being a boring game of field goals.

Yeah I hope it picks up and comes down to the last few minutes to get some more attention today...

[Mr. C]

Interesting that NDSU has not used any designed runs by Jensen in this one. Might look for something like that in the second half.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

NDSU needs to find #81. Every game i've seen NDSU play he's had big catches.

[Houndawg]

Interesting that NDSU has not used any designed runs by Jensen in this one. Might look for something like that in the second half.

More likely a flea flicker

[Mr. C]

I still think this game will open up a bit more in the second half. I like what SHSU is doing minus that first down play following the punt return.

The problem for SHSU on offense has been the lack of third-down conversions, just like what happened to Georgia Southern.

[Mr. C]

Another big punt, this one of 52 yards for the Bison.

[Mr. C]

Halftime

[Mr. C]

NDSU held SHSU to 77 rushing yards in the first half.

[Mr. C]

Wake me up when halftime is over. Should be a thrilling halftime show by ESPN2.

[Mr. C]

This just in from the NCAA on Facebook:


NCAA Football asked: Help the NCAA determine the Most Outstanding Player in this championship game. Vote below!

Tim Flanders, Sam Houston State

Brock Jensen, North Dakota State

Darnell Taylor, Sam Houston State

Chad Wilson, North Dakota State


Are they watching the game? Flanders? Jensen? Ouch.

[JMUNJ08]

Wake me up when halftime is over. Should be a thrilling halftime show by ESPN2.

took them 30 seconds to mention the BCS championship game and then lead off with SMU vs. Pitt highlights of a blowout game....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Watching this game shows how much Lehigh's lacking of kicking game hurt them. They were able to move the ball on NDSU but couldn't put up points. You have to maximize every opportunity to get 3 or 7 against NDSU.

[Mr. C]

Why are they showing SMU-Pitt highlights from the Who Gives A Crap Bowl?

[patssle]

Going to be an interesting 2nd half. NDSU is mostly shutting our offense down. But if Flanders can carry this team, we might pull it out. But if NDSU starts passing down the field - that might be a game changer. We've been burned with long passes often.

[Mr. C]

Watching this game shows how much Lehigh's lacking of kicking game hurt them. They were about to move the ball on NDSU but couldn't put up points. You have to maximize every opportunity to get 3 or 7 against NDSU.

Lehigh always seems to have issues in the kicking game.

[Mr. C]

With both NDSU and SHSU being great third quarters, the start of the second half should be intriguing.

[Houndawg]

Going to be an interesting 2nd half. NDSU is mostly shutting our offense down. But if Flanders can carry this team, we might pull it out. But if NDSU starts passing down the field - that might be a game changer. We've been burned with long passes often.

you'll see 1 or more of flea flicker/onside kick/ fake punt/fg. And here comes the TE.

[Mr. C]

And there is your mention of Penn State. Do we really care who the new coach is? He is taking the job of captain on the Titanic.

[Mr. C]

you'll see 1 or more of flea flicker/onside kick/ fake punt/fg. And here comes the TE.

Are you really watching from Egypt?

[Drblankstare]

Great defense play on both sides. Bison offense looks lost, It looks like the Kats D has about 15 guys on the field, theyre everywhere. Bison get the ball to start the half.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Future generations will look back on the first half of this game as a clinic on punting.

[JMUNJ08]

Did I miss it or have they not talked about SHSU/NDSU at ALL!?!?!?!?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Did I miss it or have they not talked about SHSU/NDSU at ALL!?!?!?!?

I think they met the contractual obligation of, oh, a minute, before going on to talk about the Barf Bowl.

[McNeese72]

This game reminds me of the 1997 game between Youngstown State and McNeese State thus far. The 10-9 YSU win.

Yeah, that dropped pass of a potential TD by the RB was giving me flashbacks.

Doc

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Wow - Trent Richardson gave out candy canes to middle schoolers!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Wow - Lou Holtz tells us running the ball is important in championship games!

Wait - I think he meant that meaningless crystal game, not NDSU.

[JMUNJ08]

Wow - Lou Holtz tells us running the ball is important in championship games!

Wait - I think he meant that meaningless crystal game, not NDSU.

Can't wait for OKSU to win the AP National Championship if LSU loses....

Also, the Bison need to pick it up...without them winning, I lose the AGS bracket challenge!!!!!

[Gil Dobie]

Gotta cut back on those turnovers. SHSU is great at capitalizing. Glad it's only 3 point game.

[McNeese72]

Great defense by both teams so far. And, for those guys saying the Bison are stopping themselves by turnovers, some of those Bison turnovers were caused by the Sam Houston pressure. The first fumble, the guy had a Bearkat in his face on the handoff and the underthrown pass for the int. was caused by pressure on the QB.

Should be an interesting 2nd half. Will the Sam defense get worn down???

Doc

[Gil Dobie]

Nice fake by the former RB Voightlander :)

[JMUNJ08]

that was fast....Bison TD....

[Gil Dobie]

Great run after the catch by McNorton, TD Bison

[HailSzczur]

What a fake. Reminded me of Szczur's against William and Mary in the semi's, except no one decided to talk him. And it looks like it could bethe turning point of this game as well.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Wow. Talk about a momentum shift!

[Houndawg]

Are you really watching from Egypt?

Southern Illinois is known regionally as Egypt.

[patssle]

We're not doing anything different. NDSU changed things up and got the lead.

[Gil Dobie]

Gutsy call by Fritz to go for it.

[Mr. C]

Southern Illinois is known regionally as Egypt.

Right, Salukis.

[Mr. C]

Gutsy call by Fritz to go for it.

Maybe that is what we needed to wake things up. Nice execution on both the fake punt and the screen.

[HailSzczur]

you'll see 1 or more of flea flicker/onside kick/ fake punt/fg. And here comes the TE.

Good call Houndawg

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Gutsy call to go for it on 4th down in their own territory. Had they missed, the game might have been over.

[Mr. C]

Gutsy call to go for it on 4th down in their own territory. Had they missed, the game might have been over.

The defense would have just stopped SHSU again.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

SHSU is grinding out a nice drive...

[Gil Dobie]

Not this time!

[Mr. C]

Another fourth-down stop for NDSU.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

...and then it comes to and end...SHSU needs to throw a little bit more imo....

[Lehigh Football Nation]

That stop is bad news for the Bearkats.

[Mr. C]

SHSU is starting to look frustrated.

[patssle]

No halftime adjustments.

[Mr. C]

Nice run to the SHSU 44 on the 15-yard Ojuri run

[Mr. C]

No halftime adjustments.

I don't know if SHSU can pass well enough, or consistently enough to beat you if you stop the run.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Big stop by SHSU

[Mr. C]

Jensen is lucky he didn't throw another pick with that floater.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I'm telling you - this game will be a clinic tape for punting and special teams. Check out the downing of the ball at the 1/2 yard line.

[Gil Dobie]

Nice punt coverage!

[Mr. C]

Punt downed at the one, 53 yards. My MVP right now is Matt Voightlander.

[Monarch History]

Great punt to put SHS on their heels.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Punt downed at the one, 53 yards. My MVP right now is Matt Voightlander.

I agree!

[Mr. C]

SHSU jumps. False start. Half the distance.

[Mr. C]

NDSU wants a fumble recovery, but the ball is ruled down.

[Mr. C]

Biggest third down of the game for SHSU right here.

[Mr. C]

Not a chance on that deep throw. Bell missed an open receiver on the other side.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I really thought SHSU could pass better. This has the signs of a NDSU back breaking drive coming up.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Seriously, what's the record for punts in an FCS national championship game? This will beat it, I'm sure.

[Mr. C]

Why did the whistles blow while the play was still going on during the punt?

[Gil Dobie]

Time for a decent drive by the Bison to eat up some clock.

[Mr. C]

Seriously, what's the record for punts in an FCS national championship game? This will beat it, I'm sure.

Probably that 10-9 YSU-McNeese State game. I seem to remember a lot of punts when Montana played Furman in 2001, too.

[Gil Dobie]

Why did the whistles blow while the play was still going on during the punt?

Thinking they called that a fair catch signal by Smith.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Thinking they called that a fair catch signal by Smith.

Yes, and that was a good call.

[Mr. C]

Time for a decent drive by the Bison to eat up some clock.

A drive here and a TD could end this one.

[Mr. C]

Yes, and that was a good call.

But didn't the ball bounce into his arms?

[Mr. C]

Neither QB is playing very well in this one. Another poor pass by Jensen.

[Gil Dobie]

Veldman is not having a good game so far.

[Monarch History]

A drive here and a TD could end this one.

Agree!

[Mr. C]

SHSU didn't get ANY pressure on that second-down pass.

[Mr. C]

Third and 10 instead of third and one and we go to video review.

[Gil Dobie]

It's tough to get a review over-turned. Looked like a drop.

[Mr. C]

Hopefully they do a better job than the folks that worked it last year in Frisco.

[Mr. C]

Incomplete.

[Gil Dobie]

Punt team coming on, best offensive weapon so far

[Mr. C]

Nice scramble to regain some field position for Jensen, but time for another punt.

[Houndawg]

Good call Houndawg

Thanks, but I meant by the Bisons.:o

[Mr. C]

Another good return is going to be called back for an illegal block.

[Gil Dobie]

Just hope SHSU doesn't get a big play.

[Mr. C]

You have to like how that knucklehead is acting like he didn't do anything wrong on the sideline.

[Mr. C]

The lack of close games for SHSU may come back to haunt SHSU in this one.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Just hope SHSU doesn't get a big play.

I've been waiting for them to break something all game...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Crucial to NDSU's success this quarter has been giving SHSU terrible field position.

[Mr. C]

Finally a first down by SHSU on the pass from Bell to Terrence Williams.

[Mr. C]

I see that the press box facilities have not improved in Frisco.

[TheBisonator]

Does SHSU have a hometown PA announcer in the stadium???

[Mr. C]

One quarter to go.

[dystopiamembrane]

I still think NDSU should have remained #1 after the YSU loss.
Enjoy the 4th quarter, everyone.

[Gil Dobie]

Very nervous everytime Sam gets the ball, after watching the Montana game.

[Mr. C]

Flanders 17 carries for 78 yards and not a lot else for SHSU's offense.

[cbarrier90]

Has probably already been said in this thread, but how the BBVA Compass Bowl got precedent at ESPN over this game is one of the great mysteries of the 21st century.

[Mr. C]

Very nervous everytime Sam gets the ball, after watching the Montana game.

The Bearkats don't seem to have that kind of spark today.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

SHSU has to generate a big pass play to win this.

[Mr. C]

Sincere out of the Wildcat has been next to worthless for SHSU today.

[Mr. C]

Nice work for NDSU on the screen. The Bison have stayed to their game plan all day long.

[Mr. C]

NDSU needs to put together one TD drive to put this game away.

[TheBisonator]

Has probably already been said in this thread, but how the BBVA Compass Bowl got precedent at ESPN over this game is one of the great mysteries of the 21st century.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[TheBisonator]

NDSU needs to put together one TD drive to put this game away.

Even a FG would be good for us on this drive. Though I'm hoping TD.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Sincere out of the Wildcat has been next to worthless for SHSU today.

With three whole weeks to prepare for it, I'm not surprised the tough Bison defense shut it down as much as they have.

[Gil Dobie]

Sams defense is play a good game too, keeping the Bison away from the redzone

[patssle]

Sincere out of the Wildcat has been next to worthless for SHSU today.

Perhaps we should stop running it!?

[BEAR]

I'm impressed with both teams. I never got to see NDSU play this year and they are as impressive as Sam. Being a Southland fan I of course want Sam to win it, but it now wouldn't suprise me if NDSU won it. Both excellent defenses!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

One big play either way, NDSU's or SHSU's way, will probably determine this game. I'm with the folks who haven't chalked anything up yet.

[cbarrier90]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

If the can't-miss showdown that is the BBVA Compass Bowl in the buzzing metropolis that is Birmingham, AL generated more revenue than this game, that's sad.

[BEAR]

One big play either way, NDSU's or SHSU's way, will probably determine this game. I'm with the folks who haven't chalked anything up yet.

I think that big play was the fake punt...xlolx

[Mr. C]

And time for another punt with 11:49 left and running.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

SHSU played that shovel pass really well, didn't allow Jensen a chance to pitch it.

[BEAR]

Reminds me of the LSU v. Alabama game. Low scoring defensive battle. xlolx

[Mr. C]

Great coverage again for NDSU.

[Mr. C]

Reminds me of the LSU v. Alabama game. Low scoring defensive battle. xlolx

Better game than LSU-Alabama.

[BEAR]

Better game than LSU-Alabama.

True. I sure am glad I get to see the previews for that game nearly every timeout or lull in the action....(shakes head)

[Mr. C]

Perhaps we should stop running it!?

NDSU is just loading up the box and playing assignment football on it.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Again, one missed NDSU coverage and this game can turn real easy.

[Mr. C]

True. I sure am glad I get to see the previews for that game nearly every timeout or lull in the action....(shakes head)

Everyone in the country should just boycott watching to make a statement to the BCS. It is absurd that a team that didn't even win its own division is playing in that game.

[Mr. C]

Again, one missed NDSU coverage and this game can turn real easy.

Bell can't hit the broadside of a barn right now, though.

[Mr. C]

Third and long again for the Bearkats with 11 minutes left.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

If you can't stretch the NDSU defense you are screwed.

Big play on 3rd down!

[Monarch History]

Nice run by Williams!

[Mr. C]

25 yards on the pass from Bell to Williams for a first down. Only the fourth third-down conversion all day.

[patssle]

Hey, lets keep running Sincere. Maybe he'll break one!?!?!

[Mr. C]

Why do they keep running the wildcat?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Travis Beck!

[Mr. C]

That might be your game on the interception.

[Gil Dobie]

Travis Beck INT, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

That will do it. I have no idea what the SHSU QB was thinking on that! SHSU simply not balanced enough to beat NDSU.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

There's your big play!

[Monarch History]

That 63 yard return may have put the nail in the coffin.

[Mr. C]

One of the worst QB performances ever in the championship game by Bell.

[Mr. C]

Travis Beck and Matt Voightlander should share the MVP honors.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Jensen sneaks it in! Touchdown!!!

[Mr. C]

The ESPN announcer keeps calling Brock Jensen Larson in the second half.

[Gil Dobie]

A little breathing room now. Let's go "D"

[Mr. C]

17-6 with 8:46 left. I think we have a winner.

[Monarch History]

It's going to be hard coming back from 11 point lead with 8:46 to play.

[Gil Dobie]

The ESPN announcer keeps calling Brock Jensen Larson in the second half.

As long as it's not Lesner ;)

[patssle]

Good game guys. I knew this was going to happen after the GSU game. NDSU is just too disciplined on defense and we had nothing else after they shut down the running game.

At least our defense was everything as advertised - shut NDSU down aside from 1 play.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The SHSU QB is about to feel the pain now.

[Mr. C]

Jensen sneaks it in! Touchdown!!!

Jensen did a nice job of reading the overload on the left side and sneaking back to the right side for the TD.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The XP makes it NDSU 17, SHSU 6, with a bit over 8 minutes to play, but it feels more like a 3 TD lead the way the Bison defense is playing.

[Mr. C]

The SHSU QB is about to feel the pain now.

Bell has already been feeling pain.

[TheBisonator]

I can smell Number Nine ever so close. 8:46 to go to get it.

[Cleets]

That NDSU Defense... is ridiculous

[Ginsbach]

Beautiful run by Beck.

[BisonHype!]

So, how is everyone doing today?:p

[Lehigh Football Nation]

That NDSU Defense... is ridiculous

LFN likes this post. Wait a minute, this isn't Facebook? xlolx

[Mr. C]

The XP makes it NDSU 17, SHSU 6, with a bit over 8 minutes to play, but it feels more like a 3 TD lead the way the Bison defense is playing.
Unless SHSU scores and gets an onside kick, the Bearkats might not get the ball with enough time to score twice.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

That NDSU Defense... is ridiculous

Makes what I witnessed against YSU all the more amazing.

[robsnotes4u]

But the speed, NDSU can't handle our speed. I think I read that many times. Great job by the Jesus coaching staff

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

[Gil Dobie]

I'm whistling Hail the Bison!

[Mr. C]

Bell continues to be awful with his passing.

[Monarch History]

SHSU is out of sink!

[Mr. C]

Makes what I witnessed against YSU all the more amazing.

I watched that game film. YSU was a better team than people realized and the Penguins played good defense and took advantage of a rare day of NDSU mistakes.

[Cleets]

What we saw this NDSU defense do Against Georgia Southern is CONFIRMED

[Gil Dobie]

I watched that game film. YSU was a better team than people realized and the Penguins played good defense and took advantage of a rare day of NDSU mistakes.

They'll be a MVFC contender next year.

[Monarch History]

Bell continues to be awful with his passing.

Credit the Bison defense!

[Houndawg]

SHSU would be 7-4 if they were in the MVC.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I watched that game film. YSU was a better team than people realized and the Penguins played good defense and took advantage of a rare day of NDSU mistakes.

YSU was extremely balanced. They were able to run the option with effectiveness and mixed in some big pass plays.

[Tubby Raymond]

Bell continues to be awful with his passing.
Bell has a bad day = NDSU NC

[patssle]

The XP makes it NDSU 17, SHSU 6, with a bit over 8 minutes to play, but it feels more like a 3 TD lead the way the Bison defense is playing.

But it's not...because SHSU has a great defense too.

[Gil Dobie]

Bison playing prevent offense, hope it doesn't backfire.

[Mr. C]

Does NDSU have any more room left in the Fargodome for another national championship banner?

[Tubby Raymond]

Credit the Bison defense!Bell being awful allows NDSU to put 10 in the box, which has made even that stellar run game disappear.

[Cleets]

Credit the Bison defense!

Agreed,
That Defense has Sam Houston reeling - nothing works against it

[Cleets]

Bell being awful allows NDSU to put 10 in the box, which has made even that stellar run game disappear.

Really, I haven't counted 10 in the box...

[Ginsbach]

Makes what I witnessed against YSU all the more amazing.

Drevlow, who has had a great day today, was out for that game. Like everyone else has said, YSU was better than people realized.

[Mr. C]

Nice recognition by SHSU's Taylor on that throwback screen. You can tell he was studying film this week. He has had a great game for the Bearkats.

[Mr. C]

Brandon Closner has been the most effective threat for the Bearkats with his punt returns. Maybe they should throw him into the offense?

[BisonHype!]

SHSU has a decent defense. Been a pretty good game overall. I think the MVP should be the entire NDSU Defense. Been consistant all thru this game, and the playoffs.

[Mr. C]

YSU was extremely balanced. They were able to run the option with effectiveness and mixed in some big pass plays.

I saw the Penguins twice and had been impressed that they would be very much improved after seeing them play well against Michigan State on the first Friday of the season.

[Monarch History]

I love the FCS playoff system where we have a true champion and not one chosen by computers!

[Mr. C]

Cole Jirik is a kid to keep an eye for the future. He has had a great day at DE and is just a sophomore. This will be a tough team again during the 2012 season.

[Mr. C]

I love the FCS playoff system where we have a true champion and not one chosen by computers!

We've loved that for a long time in FCS.

[Mr. C]

SHSU is showing off its horizontal passing game.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

One more Bison 3rd down stop?

[Mr. C]

John Pike with another nice pass breakup.

[Houndawg]

Drevlow, who has had a great day today, was out for that game. Like everyone else has said, YSU was better than people realized.

I think this game shows that most of the MVC was better than they realized.

[Monarch History]

Game over!

[BisonHype!]

Defense wins championships!

[Mr. C]

I think that was SHSU's last bullet.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

announcer didn't even know what down it was..lol

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2012 FCS National Champion is the North Dakota State Bison.

Holtz was right - "you have to run the ball to win a national championship"!.

[Mr. C]

I think this game shows that most of the MVC was better than they realized.

The MVFC had three teams that just missed making the playoffs and two others that did. It has been a balanced conference for years and NDSU and SDSU have only made it tougher. The MVFC is definitely one of the big four of FCS.

[Mr. C]

This is kind of like watching someone bleed to death right now, watching Sam Houston State.

[Monarch History]

The MVFC had three teams that just missed making the playoffs and two others that did. It has been a balanced conference for years and NDSU and SDSU have only made it tougher. The MVFC is definitely one of the big four of FCS.

Agree!

[Mr. C]

announcer didn't even know what down it was..lol

The play-by-play guy has been about as bad in his job as Bell has been as a passer today.

[Sammy94]

Coaching won this game. Defenses both great. Fake punt call changed this game. Great game for the FCS. Good job Bison. With so many sophomores I think we will meet again soon.