Sunday, January 7, 2018

BACK ON TOP Bison championship

run is not normal,
except that it is
Frisco, Texas

T
his is not normal.
Chris Klieman knows
this. Moments after
screaming “You got your
six-pack!” to thousands of
celebrating North Dakota
State football fans jamming
the field from end to end at
Toyota Stadium – he meant
championships, not beers –
the Bison football coach saw
a familiar face just behind
the stage. Klieman smiled
and shook his head, his new
championship cap askew
from all the hugging and
patting on the back.
“This is frickin’
unbelievable,” Klieman
said, a look of astonishment
on his face. “Six national
championships in seven
years? With all the injuries
and adversity we’ve had. It
isn’t supposed to happen.”
And, yes, Klieman did
use the word “frickin’.” No
MIKE
McFEELY
The Forum

Commentary
worries, mom.
It might be hard to believe
in Fargo or Flasher or
Fessenden or Fingal, but
storming the field in Frisco
is not supposed be an annual
event or anything close to it.
That’s fiction, fantasy and
fanciful thinking all rolled
into one. Maybe back-to-
back titles. Or one every few
years. But this? No.
It just doesn’t happen.
Yet there was a sea of
yellow again, NDSU fans
stretching from end zone to
end zone and singing
BISON: Page A5

Photos by David Samson / The Forum

North Dakota State fans cheer on the Bison during the NCAA FCS championship game at Toyota
Stadium in Frisco.
North Dakota State fans celebrate a big play against James
MAIN: North Dakota State players celebrate as the final seconds tick away in the win over James Madison during the NCAA FCS championship game at Toyota
Madison during the NCAA FCS championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

INSIDE TODAY’S
FORUM Fargo teachers will Farm Land For Sale
FOR SALE: 99 total acres of Cass County Farmland East of

again seek pay raises

Kindred, ND. Includes approximately 53 acres of
tillable land, and 46 acres which includes home and
building, surrounded by a beautiful wooded area
along the Sheyenne River.
SALE PENDING: 160 Acres of Ransom County Farmland South of Fort

Last year,
By Helmut Schmidt Ransom, ND
hschmidt@forumcomm.com FOR SALE: Grain Elevator in Wimbledon, ND to include approx

contract talks
250,000 bu. grain storage with 3,500 bu per hour
FARGO – For North Dakota’s Edu- grain dryer, 12,000 gal propane tank and scale.
cation Fact-Finding Commission, 2017 FOR SALE: Total 387 Acres of Barnes County Farmland North of

broke down over was a busy year.

Nine school districts in the state SALE PENDING:
Wimbledon, ND, which includes 345 Acres of cropland.
120 Acres of Barnes County Farmland Southeast of

raises and safety TEACHERS: Page A4

Fingal, ND.

Today’s weather Classifieds............. F, G

001120897r1

Comics........................ Z
Two-year-old boy 30° Life............................. B

killed in four-vehicle
crash in Moorhead.
PAGE A2
$2.50
15° Obituaries...... C3, C6-8
Opinion................. C4-5 steve@johnsonauctionandrealty.com
Steven Johnson
Farm Land Sales
(Suggested retail price)
Mostly cloudy Details, D6 Sports......................... D www.johnsonauctionandrealty.com
Copyright 2018 The Forum
USA Today............. C1-2
701-799-5213
The Forum Local News Sunday, January 7, 2018 A5

BISON teams, by far, in their

From Page A1
along with “We Are
The Champions” while
Bison players hoisted a
trophy and held up their
two-fingered horns sign
to the partying crowd.
Green and yellow confetti
rained down.
It was deja vu all over
again. And again, again,
again and again.
NDSU is the undisputed
king of Football
Championship Subdivision
once more, slugging its
way to a 17-13 victory
over James Madison in
an intense title game
on a spectacularly sun-
splashed Saturday before
a standing-room-only
crowd. It was the perfect
setting for a game
between the two best
division. A game that can
only be described as epic.
How often does a
sporting event live up to
the pregame hype? Three
times in 10, maybe? This
one did, and then some,
going down to the final
play. Bison quarterback
Easton Stick ran out the
final seconds and flung the
ball toward the heavens in
an ending that resembled
a basketball game more
than a football game.
NDSU won five straight
championships from
2011 to 2015 before James
Madison ended its streak
in the playoff semifinals
last year. The buzz before
this game was whether
the Bison could reclaim
their title or if the Dukes
were the new kids at the
top of the mountain.
Turns out NDSU’s
drought lasted one year.
humble, have resorted to
mind tricks in an effort to
in seven years isn’t
impressive enough,
recapping the great
game they’d just seen,
The Bison wanted back lower expectations. here are a couple more but just as surely they
what was taken from NDSU senior linebacker stunning figures: were already looking
them. Nick DeLuca stood just NDSU is 97-8 since the ahead to next season and
“Damn right. We got behind the stage at the beginning of the 2011 handicapping the Bison’s
it back,” Bison senior tail end of the Bison season, winning games chances of a return to
safety Tre Dempsey celebration, accepting at a 92-percent rate, and Frisco. That’s the way
things work in the
said. “That’s what congratulations and hugs Klieman is 54-6 with
we’re supposed to do from teammates, friends three national titles in his abnormal world of NDSU
football. Fans expect this
here – win national and ex-players. He was four seasons.
championships. It feels asked whether it felt like “This is what I came to run might never end.
They might not be
great because this is what the Bison grabbed back NDSU for,” Dempsey said.
we’re supposed to do.” something that was taken “To win championships.” wrong.
You want to know a
And, yes, Dempsey did from them. When Dempsey
little secret? The 2018
use the word “damn.” “Without a doubt. said those words, the
Bison might be better
Sorry, mom. We say every year that celebration on the field
than the 2017 Bison.
NDSU has created its our goal is to win the behind him was starting
Yes, they lose some key
own monster with all conference, to be the to break up. Bison fans
players. But they get
these championships. Missouri Valley Football were walking back up back just as many. NDSU
Its fans buy tickets to Conference champions, the same aisles they had stands an above-average
the national title game but this is where we want descended, heading out chance of playing a game
in August, expecting to to be,” DeLuca said. “We into Frisco or nearby in Frisco on Jan. 5, 2019.
take a vacation to Texas know that. To be here and Plano for a bite to eat and We’ll start where we
in January. Its players to have done it again, it likely a couple (or more) began: This is not normal.
and coaches, who have feels unbelievable.” celebratory cocktails. Readers can reach Forum columnist
remained remarkably If six national titles They were surely Mike McFeely at (701) 241-5379

DIGEST

NDSC to offer
defensive-driving
course Tuesday
FARGO – The North
Dakota Safety Council will
hold a defensive-driving
course from 6-10 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Dakota
Medical Foundation.
Course participants qual-
ify for an insurance dis-
count and point reduction
on a North Dakota license.
For more information or to
register, visit ndsc.org or
call 701-223-6372.

Brian Kalk to
speak at Wednesday
luncheon
FARGO – The United
Republican Committee
will host a “Politics and a
Plate” event from noon to
1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10,
at the Holiday Inn.
The speaker will be
Brian Kalk, a former North
Dakota public service com-
missioner and U.S. Marine.
The cost is $15 and
includes a buffet lunch.
Registration begins at 11:30
a.m. the day of the event.
For more information,
send an email to ccurcnd@
gmail.com or call 701-
730-3388.
 Sunday, January 7, 2018 The Forum Section D

Sports

SIX PACK
BACK
FOR
THEIR
Bison get revenge on
James Madison to win
sixth FCS national
championship
By Eric Peterson
epeterson@forumcomm.com
Frisco, Texas

N
orth Dakota State is perfect in NCAA
Division I championship games and now
Georgia Southern has company.
The Bison put the clamps on a James Madison
offense that was averaging 36 points per game
and NDSU scored 17 points in the first half.
That combination proved enough to vault the
Bison to a 17-13 victory against the previously
unbeaten Dukes on Saturday at Toyota Stadium
before 19,090 fans.
NDSU (14-1) has won six national
championships in the past seven seasons with a
6-0 record in title games. Those six FCS crowns
Photos by David Samson / The Forum tied Georgia Southern for the most in the
The North Dakota State sideline celebrates the final fourth down stop against James Madison during the NCAA history of the division.
FCS championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. “We always talk about leaving a legacy.
How are you going to be remembered?” Bison
MAIN: North Dakota State defenders Tre Dempsey, James Hendricks, Marquise Bridges and Robbie head coach Chris Klieman said, “I’m pinching
Grimsley defend James Madison’s final play during the NCAA FCS championship game at Toyota Stadium
in Frisco, Texas. CHAMPION: Page D5

Code Green is money for the NDSU football dynasty

Frisco, Texas has faced all year. Trying certainly, especially with

T
he green and to find points against the the Dukes repeatedly
yellow confetti was JEFF Dukes was going to be no having great field
beginning to thin KOLPACK easy task and it wasn’t. position. In one stretch
out when Tre Dempsey The Forum The newspaper headline of the third quarter,
met Marcus Williams  from the first title in 2011 JMU started consecutive
behind the victory stage was “Golden Boys.” Give possessions at the Bison
of Toyota Stadium. props to this trophy to the 33- and 48-yard lines and
They gave each other Code Green Boys after the its own 45-yard line.
the football player bear his NDSU career behind 17-13 win over the Dukes The only thing the
hug, and in a sense it with three championships. on Saturday afternoon. Dukes got out of it was
represented a passing of Dempsey played his last “I love what players their only touchdown of
the dynasty torch. game on Saturday and pass down to us, it’s the game, a one-yard
North Dakota State he’s leaving the school been like this for years,” touchdown run when they
calls its defense “Code with three more rings. Dempsey said. only had to go 33 yards to
Green” and the code was That’s what dominant If the rest of the FCS get it.
dialed in all afternoon programs do: When one needs more evidence “One thing that
against James Madison. dude leaves, another dude that defense wins was frustrating was
Just like it was dialed in takes his place. championships, look no the short field,” said
when Williams was the NDSU offensive farther than this clash of defensive coordinator David Samson / The Forum
cornerback during the coordinator Courtney stoppers. JMU came in No. Matt Entz. “Our guys felt North Dakota State’s Derrek Tuszka celebrates his
start of the six straight Messingham said JMU 1 in scoring defense and comfortable they were not sack on James Madison quarterback Bryan Schor
FCS national titles. was the quickest team at the Bison came in No. 2. with teammate Caleb Butler during the NCAA FCS
In 2013, Williams left all 11 positions his offense NDSU was tested, KOLPACK: Page D5 championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
D4 Sunday, January 7, 2018
North Dakota State quarterback Easton Stick down the ball to end the game against James Madison for the NCAA FCS championship game.
NDSU’s playoff run gave injured Dunn another chance at playing
By Jeff Kolpack
and Mike McFeely
jkolpack@forumcomm.com
FRISCO, Texas — As
each day came and went
throughout the FCS play-
offs, North Dakota State
running back Lance Dunn
increasingly became opti-
mistic his season wasn’t
over after all.
A labrum injury suffered
in mid-October against
Western Illinois had all but
disappeared by the time
the Bison returned from a
brief Christmas break and
Dunn was in the lineup
Saturday in the 17-13 win
over James Madison that
gave the Bison their sixth
FCS title in seven years.
“When I got back from
break, I started practicing
and feeling good,” Dunn
said. “I came out there
and did whatever I could
to help the team win.”
Dunn had 50 yards on
13 carries against a stiff
Dukes defense. But his
21-yard run later in the
fourth quarter helped the
Bison keep the ball for
almost five minutes and
keep the Dukes’ offense
on the sidelines.
“I’m going to be hon-
est, I didn’t know if I was
going to be back right
after the injury,” Dunn
said. “I had faith in the
guys and I knew we were
going to keep pushing to
the championship game,
and they gave me oppor-
tunities to play. I just took
advantage of that. It’s just
a blessing to be here and
to be the national cham-
pion again.”
Last play took
some thought
The last play of the
game was a source of
debate with the Bison
offensive staff and quar-
terback Easton Stick.
NDSU had fourth down-
and-1 yard to go at their
own 34-yard line with
four seconds remaining.
They were four sec-
onds that stood between
the Bison and a title. The
instructions were for Stick
to take the snap and run
out the clock.
“If you have to take
a safety, take a safety,”
said offensive coordina-
tor Courtney Messingham,
“but make sure the clock
runs out. The only thing I
said is you can’t get tack-
led until the clock runs
out. It doesn’t matter how
many yards you lose.”
Stick said he and the
coaching staff were “going
back and forth” on the
best way to do that. He
took the snap in shotgun
Bison Football The Forum
Phtoos by David Samson / The Forum
North Dakota State’s Jabril Cox returns a fumble as he
stiff arms James Madison’s Ishmael Hyman during the
NCAA FCS championship game.
“I needed to block the cards,” Klieman said. “I
field goal. I needed to didn’t want to say any-
thing about Ty because Ty
North Dakota State’s Lance Dunn carries against James Madison during the NCAA block the field goal for
the offense to get back is one of the most electric
FCS championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
on the field and have the players in FCS. If you have
opportunity to score. That to prepare for Ty Brooks,
formation and ran back left, punter Harry O’Kelly of the game, a 1-yard run
was my mindset. That was holy mackerel. If you knew
18 yards before taking a ran to the left side for 24 by Marcus Marshall.
everybody else’s mindset, Ty Brooks was out — Mike
knee and hurling the ball yards and a first down. “I think our punt return
block the field goal,” Rob- knows that. Mike gets it.”
in the air. O’Kelly had clear sailing team did a good job today
inson said. Cornerback Jaylaan
“I just made sure, num- until Aaron Mercadel tack- of getting on the cover-
Wimbush warmed up and
ber one, catch the snap, led him at the Bison 29. age guys, holding them Brooks had surgery played briefly. Starting
and I found the clock right Coach Mike Houston up, giving D’Angelo some
away and wanted to get said the Dukes felt like room,” Houston said. “I
on shoulder cornerback Jalen Allison
Bison running back Ty also warmed up but did
down as soon as it was they could exploit a Bison think he did a good job
Brooks, who was hurt in not play.
hitting zero,” Stick said. punt formation if needed. with his vision, just see-
the semifinal win over “I really didn’t know on
“That was a special feel- “We worked that all ing the cuts and seeing
Sam Houston State, had Wimbush, he tried to go,”
ing. Seeing all our guys week. We felt like we’d where the return was, and
surgery on his shoulder Klieman said. “I think he
run out there and knowing get that look from them. getting us solid field posi-
two weeks ago and was played a few plays and just
we finished the right way As we worked that fake for tion. So excited to have couldn’t go. Jalen, we were
never going to play in the
for the seniors. That was a the last couple of weeks, him coming back for the trying to go all the way
title game, said head coach
good feeling.” we saw it on the first punt future.” through this week hoping
Chris Klieman. He did not
that it was there,” Hous- Dukes defensive tack- divulge the injury as to he’d have an opportunity,
First a baby, ton said. “I just wanted to le Simeyon Robinson also
not let JMU the luxury of and he warmed up and
then a title wait until the right time blocked a 38-yard Cam
preparing for it. just couldn’t do it.”
It’s been quite the last because you only get one Pedersen field goal try Houston also did not Readers can reach Forum reporter
few weeks for NDSU shot at it.” with 4:37 remaining in reveal injury status of his Jeff Kolpack at (701) 241-5546.
defensive tackle Grant The play allowed James the fourth quarter and the players. Kolpack’s Bison Media Blog can be
Morgan. Just over a week Madison the opportuni- Bison leading 17-13. found at bisonmedia.areavoices.com
“You have to hold your and Twitter @FGOSPORTSWRITER
ago, he and his wife ty to score the go-ahead
Morgan welcomed their touchdown, but the drive
daughter Paisley to the ended when quarterback
world. On Saturday, he Bryan Schor’s pass to the
ended his Bison career end zone was batted down
with a national title. by NDSU.
“Morgan and Pais- “It obviously gave us a
ley are at home watch- lot of life. We’ve got a spe-
ing right now,” Grant cial guy back there kicking
said, with Queen’s “We the ball, and I look forward
Are the Champions” blar- to watching him in the
ing over the Toyota Sta- future as well,” Schor said.
dium speakers. “The rest
of my family is down on JMU special
the field. Unfortunately, teams roll
they couldn’t make it but I James Madison’s special
know they’re here in spir- teams kept the Dukes in
it. I thought about them the game as their offense
this morning and obvi- had trouble moving the
ously would love to have ball against the Bison.
them here but at the same Punt returner D’Angelo
time it would be a heck of Amos returned four punts
a trip with an 8-day-old. for 87 yards, including a
What a blessing.” couple that gave the Dukes
good field position.
Gamble almost pays Amos returned Jackson
for Dukes Koonce’s short punt 37
James Madison sur- yards to the Bison 14 in the
prised NDSU with a fake first quarter, setting up a
punt at crucial spot in field goal by Ethan Ratke.
the fourth quarter, keep- Amos ran back anoth-
ing alive a potential er short Koonce punt 33
game-winning drive. yards in the third quarter
Facing fourth-and-9 at to the Bison 33. That led
the JMU 47 with 3 minutes to JMU’s only touchdown
The Forum Bison Football Sunday, January 7, 2018 D5

NDSU 17, JMU 13

NDSU 7 10 0 0-17
JMU 3 3 7 0-13

First quarter
NDSU: Bruce Anderson 3 run (Cam Pedersen kick), 6 minutes, 40
seconds remaining.
Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:30.
Key plays: JMU called for roughing-the-punter penalty, giving Bi-
son first down at the JMU 47-yard line. On third-and-3, quarterback
Easton Stick runs for nine yards to the 31. Pass to RJ Urzendowski
gains 15 yards to the 16.
NDSU 7, JMU 0
JMU: FG Ethan Ratke 31, 3:48.
Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, :15.
Key plays: Bison offense stopped on three plays at its own 14.
JMU’s D’Angelo Amos returns punt 37 yards to the Bison 14-yard
line. Three incompletions force field goal.
NDSU 7, JMU 3

Second quarter
NDSU: Darrius Shepherd 50 pass from Stick (Pedersen kick),
4:14.
Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 3:16.
Key plays: Bison defensive tackle Nate Tanguay picks off a Bryan
Schor attempted pass, a play where Schor had his arm hung up by
a Bison defender. Personal foul after the play on JMU gives Bison
the ball at the 29. Bruce Anderson gets six yards on second-and-3
for first down to the JMU 43. On third-and-17, Shepherd gets open
for his first touchdown catch of the season.
NDSU 14, JMU 3
NDSU: FG Pedersen 32, :39.
Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 1:32.
Key plays: Bison linebacker Jabril Cox picks up fumble after long
pass completion to Riley Stapleton and returns it to the NDSU 41-
yard line. Stick scrambles for 17 yards on third-and-10 to the 24.
NDSU 17, JMU 3
JMU: FG Ratke 21, :03.
Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, :29.
Key plays: Schor hits Stapleton for 28 yards to the Bison 46.
Schor and Terrenca Alls combine for 17 yards to the 20. Pass inter-
ference penalty on NDSU brings ball to the 5.
NDSU 17, JMU 6

Third quarter
JMU: Marcus Marshall 1 run (Ratke kick), 9:26.
Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards, 2:41.
Key plays: Amos returns punt 33 yards to the Bison 33-yard line.
On third-and-5, Schor takes run up the middle for 11 yards to the 5.
Touchdown comes on third-and-goal.
NDSU 17, JMU 13

Fourth quarter
No scoring.

Team statistics
NDSU JMU
First downs 16 15
Rushes-yards 48-134 30-93
Yards passing 130 148
Passes 13-22-0 14-32-2
Total yards 264 241
Punts-avg. 7-33.7 5-40.2
Fumbles-lost 1-1 1-1
Sacked-yards lost 4-33 3-22
Penalties-yards 6-55 3-35
Possession time 37:41 22:19
David Samson / The Forum
Individual statistics North Dakota State’s Nate Tanguay hugs Marquise Bridges after stopping James Madison on fourth down during the NCAA FCS
NDSU
Rushing No. Yds. Long TD
championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Anderson 18 63 10 1
Dunn 13 50 21 0
Stick
Wilson
Team totals
14 35 17 0
2
48
13
134
8
21
0
1
KOLPACK ball, you want to get out of
his way,” said linebacker
was in his element since he’s
led his team to clutch wins
JMU faced fourth-and-16
when Schor was scrambling
Receiving
Shepherd
No. Yds. Long TD
6 74 50 1
From Page D1 Nick DeLuca. over the last couple of years. to avoid a sack. Off balance,
Urzendowski 3 21 15 0
going to drive 70 or 80 yards Tanguay reached his own He got help this time with a he heaved a high lofting pass
Williams 2 20 14 0
Wentz 1 12 12 0 against us.” 29-yard line, but a personal fake punt that punter Harry toward the end zone, kind
Ellefson 1 3 3 0 foul on JMU after the play O’Kelly took for 24 yards to of a mini-Hail Mary. DeLuca
Team totals 13 130 50 1 Especially with NDSU
Passing Comp Att Yds. Int. TD gave the Bison the ball at the the Bison 29. said it seemed like the ball
Stick 13 22 103 0 1 winning the turnover margin.
44. They promptly scored Ironically, Matt stayed in the air forever.
Team totals 13 22 103 0 1 That’s usually the trick in
Tackles (solo-assisted-total) in five plays, thanks to a Voigtlander’s fake punt “I saw the quarterback
D. Tuszka 6-0-6, Grimsley 6-0-6, DeLuca 3-1-4, Board 2-2-4, But- winning these things ... get
ler 2-2-4, Hayes 3-0-3, Dempsey 2-1-3, Bridges 2-1-3, Cox 2-1-3, J. 50-yard bomb to receiver in 2011 was a big play in scrambling like he did the
more takeaways than the
Tuszka 2-0-2, Jones 1-1-2, Steidl 0-2-2, Plank 1-0-1, Koonce 1-0- Darrius Shepherd and it was the first Bison title. It was whole game,” Dempsey
1, Tanguay 1-0-1, Williams 1-0-1, Mercadel 1-0-1, Jordheim 1-0-1, other team. The Bison even
Karcz 0-1-1, Morgan 0-1-1, Pedersen 0-1-1. 14-3 in the second quarter. looking like fate on the fake said, “and he did a great job
Sacks: D. Tuszka 2, DeLuca, Butler 0.5, Cox 0.5. resorted to their ace pickoff “Code Green, they’re an punt was going to even out.
Interceptions: Bridges, Tanguay.
artist in defensive tackle Nate amazing bunch of dudes extending plays. And then
JMU Dempsey said he wanted to there were two people open,
Rushing No. Yds. Long TD Tanguay, who for a 6-foot- and we know that we can call time out before the ball
Marshall 11 30 10 1
4, 300-pound guy looked I took one and Nick took the
O’Kelly 1 24 24 0 always rely on them, the was snapped to change the
Sharp 4 20 6 0
rather athletic in nabbing a other. He was going to get
Schor 14 19 17 0 best defense in the country,” NDSU defensive call.
Team totals 30 93 24 1 deflected Bryan Schor pass. sacked and then he just threw
Receiving No. Yds. Long TD Shepherd said. “Whenever “I put the blame on myself,
Then Tanguay did what all it up. When he threw it up, I
Stapleton 7 107 28 0 they are on the field, we have I thought we should have
Alls 2 29 17 0 defensive backs/tackles do said in my head it’s over.”
Marshall 2 -7 0 0 belief in them.” gone safe on that,” he said.
Kloosterman 1 10 10 0 when they pick one off: go the Belief was getting Kelly, by the way, was It was. The Bison players
Eldridge 1 9 9 0
Hyman 1 0 0 0 other way. The odds of the big challenged in the fourth his team’s second-leading and their throng of fans
Team totals 14 148 28 0 fella scoring were not good, quarter when JMU was rusher with the 24 yards. started to make plans to
Passing Comp Att Yds. Int. TD
Schor 14 32 148 2 0 but at least he gave it a shot. driving for a potential Code Green was tough on the crash the field again.
Team totals 14 32 148 2 0
Tackles (solo-assisted-total) “The next thing I know winning touchdown. It came JMU rushing attack. Code Green can make
Hawkins 7-3-10, Carter 6-2-8, Greene 7-0-7, Moreland 5-2-7, Ank- Tanguay is trying to stiff- after the Dukes blocked Cam Schor ran 10 yards to the another set of title T-shirts.
rah 3-2-5, Maginley 2-3-5, Robinson 4-0-4, Urquhart 4-0-4, Hereford
4-0-4, Robinson 2-0-2, Word 2-0-2, Brown 1-1-2, Cobbs 1-1-2, Bet- arm somebody,” said Pedersen’s 38-yard field goal 19, which anything inside Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff
hea 1-1-2, Schor 1-0-1, Little 1-0-1, Hyman 1-0-1, Carter Jr. 1-0-1, Kolpack at (701) 241-5546. Kolpack’s
Patrick 1-0-1. cornerback Marquise Bridges. and they got the ball at their the 20 is commonly called Bison Media Blog can be found at
Sacks: Robinson 2, Carter.
Interceptions: none
“Anytime you see a 300- own 27 with 4:37 left. the red zone. But on this day, bisonmedia.areavoices.com and Twitter @
pound guy running with the Schor, the veteran senior, NDSU put up a virtual wall. FGOSPORTSWRITER

CHAMPION
From Page D1
myself. … Character wins
games and our guys have
unbelievable character.”
The Bison rebooted their
dynasty after losing in the
FCS semifinals against
James Madison a season
ago. NDSU also ended
JMU’s 26-game winning
streak and bid to repeat as
national champions. The
Bison have a 97-8 record
Photos by David Samson / The Forum
since 2011.
“It’s really special,” North Dakota State’s Darrius Shepherd , second from
said Bison quarterback left, is congratulated by his teammates after his 50-yard
Easton Stick, who was touchdown reception against James Madison during the
named the game’s most NCAA FCS championship game at Toyota Stadium in
valuable player. “It’s not Frisco, Texas.
just the last six or seven
years, it’s been like this and we made too many The Dukes looked like
for a long time.” mistakes. That’s what they were going to back
The Bison have won 14 it boiled down to,” said up their coach’s words
national championships James Madison head coach early in the second half.
in football with the Mike Houston, who lost They took advantage of a
first eight coming in to an FCS opponent for short field on their first
Division II before NDSU the first time in his two drive of the third quarter.
transitioned to Division I. seasons at James Madison. D’Angelo Amos returned
“I think both teams a punt 33 yards to the North Dakota State quarterback Easton Stick and game most valuable player points to
“It’s hard to put into the fans after the NCAA FCS championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
words, but this culture would say this is the most NDSU 33-yard line.
is amazing, the fans, the physical game they’ve Eight plays later,
Moments later, the a sixth FCS championship. 22 passes for 130 yards
coaches, the players … played in all year.” Marshall found the end
Dukes faked a punt that “We found a way to and a touchdown with no
it’s so special,” said Bison Points were at a zone to cut the Bison
punter Harry O’Kelly ran play red-zone defense, interceptions. He added
wide receiver Darrius premium, but the Bison lead to four points. Those
24 yards to the Bison which has been a staple 35 rushing yards on 14
Shepherd, who had a were able to muster 17 were the game’s final
29-yard line with around for us,” Klieman said. carries.
50-yard touchdown catch before halftime. Bison points as both defenses
3 minutes remaining. “To limit that offense “What an incredible
in the second quarter. running back Bruce took over late. “I wanted to wait for to 13 points is pretty leader for this team,”
“It’s so amazing to be a Anderson scored on a “I thought our defense the right time because remarkable.” Shepherd said of Stick.
part of this program. It’s 3-yard touchdown run in did a good job to you only get one chance The Bison won the “I have so much love
the best thing I’ve been a the first quarter. Shepherd responding to adversity at it,” Houston said. turnover battle against and respect for that man.
part of.” added his 50-yard all season long,” said The Dukes got as the best team at That’s my guy.”
The Bison limited touchdown catch that Bison senior linebacker close as the 18-yard forcing turnovers in the Klieman entered
James Madison to 241 gave the Bison a 14-3 lead Nick DeLuca. “You know line before the Bison country. NDSU finished the postgame press
yards on 62 plays, with 4:14 to play in the there is going to be defense stiffened. On plus-2 in turnover conference sweating and
allowing one touchdown. second quarter. The teams adversity, just how you fourth-and-16 from margin, including two looking for a bottle of
The Dukes scored on a traded field goals in the respond is going to be a the 25, James Madison interceptions that both water moments after the
Marcus Marshall 1-yard final minute of the first big thing.” quarterback Bryan Schor came with James Madison nail-biting victory and
touchdown run that half and the Bison took a Special teams gave was pressured before he in scoring position. Schor ensuing celebration.
sliced the NDSU lead to 17-6 lead into halftime. James Madison an threw a desperation heave finished 14 of 32 passing “That was a great
17-13 with 9 minutes, 26 “I told (my team) we opportunity to win to the goal line. The Bison for 148 yards with no football game between
seconds to play in the were going to win the the game late. Bison defense knocked down touchdowns and two two great teams, and more
third quarter. The Dukes football game and I firmly kicker Cam Pederson pass to get the ball back interceptions. He also importantly, two great
were held to 93 rushing believed that,” Houston had a 38-yard field goal on downs with 58 seconds rushed for 19 yards on programs,” Klieman said.
yards on 30 attempts. said of his message to his blocked with 4:37 to play to play. NDSU was able to 14 attempts. Readers can reach Forum reporter
“They made the plays team at halftime. in the fourth quarter. run out the clock to earn Stick completed 13 of Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513