Bison offense and defense both showed their strength early in the game against SDSU today. On the first possession, the Jackrabbits drove to within the Bison 1, but the Herd kept them from scoring. A missed field goal kept the game at 0-0.
Later in the quarter, NDSU offense was given a second chance after their first drive yielded little yardage. Trevor Gebhart and D.J. McNorton commanded the field, bringing the Herd to within 6 inches of the goal. A run by McNorton brought the game to 6-0, Bison. Ryan Jastram completed the extra point, bringing the score to 7-0 to end the first quarter.
Kicking his third touchback of the game, Jastram put the Jackrabbits at their 20. Strong Bison defense kept them at bay, forcing them to turn the ball over to NDSU without any significant gain.
The Herd charged the field, getting within 12 of the goal. SDSU defense held, forcing NDSU to attempt for a field goal. Jastram completed it, bringing the score to 10-0, Bison.
The Jacks took charge of the field on their next possession with Dale Moss and Tyrel Cool making massive plays, driving SDSU to the 8. Bison defense held strong, and SDSU brought Justin Syrovatka out to attempt the field goal. The kick was wide, keeping the game at the half 10-0, Bison.
NDSU started off the second half strong, with large plays by Ryan Smith and D.J. McNorton bringing the ball deep into SDSU territory. A pass interference penalty brought the Herd to the Jacks 7. Offense was able to score, with Brock Jensen scoring from the 1. A completed extra point brought the game to 17-0, Bison.
The Jacks answered, getting the ball back at the Bison 28. Powerful offense drove the ball into Bison territory, before Zach Zenner ran it in for 6. Syrovatka came out for the extra point and completed it, bringing the game to 17-7, Bison.
The next Bison possession was interrupted by Jackrabbits defense. At the Jacks 35, the Herd decided to go for first on fourth. They were successful, but found themselves halted just a few yards down the field for the next four downs. Jastram came out for a field goal, but with 46 yards to go against the wind, it came up short.
The jackrabbits got the ball after a well-placed kick by Jastram stuck them at their own 3. Bison defense kept them at bay, forcing them to kick from their end zone. Ryan Smith was open to receive and returned it 41 yards for another Bison touchdown. 24-7, Bison.
Jackrabbit offense was halted by Bison defense on their next possession. Receiving a touchback, they earned 18 yards before turning the ball over to NDSU after a failed fourth down attempt.
Carrying the ball from the Jacks 32, Bison offense drove forward steadily. A large play by Jensen brought the ball to the 1. Jensen completed the drive, bringing the score to 31-7, NDSU.
Desperate, SDSU fought for any gain they could find. With just minutes left on the clock, the Jacks were caught on fourth and 8 from their 22. Bison defense landed a sack, giving Bison offense the ball deep in SDSU territory.
NDSU offense drove forward, using mostly backup players. The Herd pushed forward, and Derrick Lang ran it in for a late-game touchdown. The extra point brought the game to 38-7, Bison.
The next Jackrabbits offensive drive had to face mostly backup Bison defense. They drove the field while the clock ran down, scoring a touchdown with just 4 seconds left. The extra point ended the game at 38-14, Bison.
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