FCS Playoffs: NDSU vs Sam Houston State preview, prediction, live stream
The semifinals of the FCS playoffs kick off Friday with red-hot North Dakota State hosting Sam Houston State and its high-powered offense.
North Dakota State (12-1) and the second seed nationally defeated seventh seed Wofford 42-10 in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. Quarterback Easton Stick led the way accounting for four touchdowns. The Bison became the first team in FCS history to advance to seven straight FCS semifinals and look to make their sixth FCS finals in seven years.
Easton Stick has been been a game manager throughout the first two playoff wins for the Bison. Stick has passed for 355 yards and six touchdowns while running for 96 yards and two more touchdowns during the playoffs.
North Dakota State’s defense has been great all year and even better in the playoffs. Through two games, the Bison defense has only given up 176 yards and seven points per game. A talented secondary led by all MVFC first team safety Robbie Grimsley will face a huge test this week against Sam Houston State’s air raid offense.
Sam Houston State (12-1) had just enough fire power to beat Kennesaw State 34-27 in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. The sixth seeded Bearkats were led by quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe and running back Corey Avery. Briscoe completed 20-29 passes for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns. Avery had a stellar game on the ground running for 130 yards on 21 carries with one touchdown.
Defensively, the Bearkats have struggled during their first two playoff games. In their second round win against South Dakota, they gave up 637 yards and in their quarterfinal win over Kennesaw State gave up another 472 yards including 352 yards on the ground. If Sam Houston State wants to put up a fight, their defense will have to play their best game of the year.
Here’s how to watch online:
Date: Friday, Dec. 15
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Fargo, ND
Venue: Fargodome
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Keys to Victory
For North Dakota State to advance to their sixth finals in seven years, their defense will have to continue to play outstanding. The Bearkats bring in a high powered offense, similar to South Dakota State, the only team to defeat NDSU. The Bison will have to limit the big plays and rely on their front four to create pressure on Bearkat quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe.
Look for the Bison to rely on their run game and string out long drives to keep the Bearkat’s high powered offense on the sideline. The Bearkats have been gashed for 469 yards on the ground over their last two games. Bruce Anderson should get plenty of carries and will have to have a big game for the Bison to keep their national championship hopes alive.
Sam Houston State will face their biggest test all year. The Bearkats bring the number one passing offense in the country against the number one passing defense in the country. Quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe will have to play the game of his life for the Bearkats to win this game.
A struggling defense will have to step up big for the Bearkats. The Bison have been consistent all year, especially on the ground. The Bearkats give up 180 yards rushing per game and will have to be much better at stopping the run to upset the Bison.
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Prediction
The Bison are 41-3 over the last five years at home and will be 42-3 after this weekend. Sam Houston State hasn’t faced a defense like the Bison all year. A talented secondary will overwhelm the Bearkats and force multiple turnovers. On offense, look for North Dakota State to run the ball and sustain long drives. Anticipate the Bison dominating time of possession to slow down the air raid offense of Sam Houston State. The Bison will take one step closer to their sixth national championship in seven years with a convincing win over Sam Houston State.
Final Score: North Dakota State 35, Sam Houston State 24