Samford falls to North Dakota State in FCS playoffs

Cam Miller threw for a first-half landing and ran for a second to guide third-seeded North Dakota State to a 27-9 win over Samford in a Soccer Championship Subdivision quarterfinal-round playoff recreation on Friday night time.

Already with out fullback Hunter Luepke, who’s out for the season with an injured shoulder, the Bison misplaced working again TaMerik Williams within the first half in opposition to Samford. Irrespective of. North Dakota State nonetheless pounded away at Samford, dashing for 166 yards on 48 carries and dominating time of possession, holding the ball for greater than 39 minutes.

Samford went with freshman Quincy Crittendon at quarterback after starter Michael Hiers was a game-time scratch with an injured hand that stored him out of final week’s opening-round win over Southeast Louisiana. However the Bulldogs went three-and-out on their first three possessions and an 11-play, 47-yard drive got here up empty when Zach Williams’ 34-yard field-goal try was blocked by Spencer Waege. Samford turned the ball over on downs and went three-and-out for the fourth time within the first half on its ultimate two possessions.

The Bison received off to a gradual begin as properly, however started to click on offensively within the second quarter. Miller drove the Bison 69 yards in 12 performs for the opening rating, hitting Joe Stoffel from 2 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Griffen Crosa added a 44-yard area purpose as time expired within the half for a 10-0 lead.

With Williams on crutches and his foot encased in a boot, North Dakota State turned to third-string again TK Marshall within the second half and he capped the opening drive with a 7-yard landing run.

Samford turned to Hiers to begin the second half, however he was picked off to finish the Bulldogs’ first possession of the half and the Bison drove 63 yards, with Miller nosing in from the 1 to take a 24-0 lead.

Miller accomplished 15 of 18 go makes an attempt for 194 yards to guide North Dakota State. Kobe Johnson carried 15 occasions for 48 yards to guide the bottom recreation. Marshall gained 47 yards on 11 carries with a landing and Miller added 21 yards on 12 carries and a rating.

Hiers accomplished 22 of 30 second-half go makes an attempt, good for 227 yards and a late landing with an interception. Chandler Smith caught six passes for 120 yards, together with a 40-yard landing with 3:53 left within the recreation.

North Dakota State (11-2), winner of 9 of the final 11 FCS nationwide titles, advances to the semifinals, the place it’ll face the Incarnate Phrase.