FCS Playoffs 2018: Underdogs steal show in quarterfinals
By Zach Bigalke
No. 8 Colgate Raiders fall No. 1 North Dakota State Bison
North Dakota State continues its march toward another FCS championship, as the Bison completely dominated Colgate in a runaway 35-0 victory at home on Saturday. Chris Klieman’s team left no question as to why they are an undefeated team with the best record in the FCS, as they controlled the game on both sides of the ball.
The Bison defense was worth the price of admission alone, as they allowed only 157 total yards of offense in the shutout. Colgate quarterback Grant Breneman went just 9-of-21 for 68 yards. Officially he threw one interception, with another reversed on review and a few other passes thrown right on the hands of North Dakota State defenders too surprised to actually haul in the ball.
In the opposite direction, Easton Stick was an efficient 14-of-19 for 205 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air. Bruce Anderson led the way on the ground with 124 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Ty Brooks added 65 yards and another score. In a week where Klieman became an object of interest for the seat being vacated by Bill Snyder at Kansas State, his Bison team kept rolling toward what they hope will be a seventh national title in eight seasons.