Rapid reaction: No. 3 North Dakota State 49, Montana 26

FARGO, N.D. — On the improper finish of a number of large performs Saturday, Montana noticed its season got here to an finish within the second spherical of the FCS playoffs with a 49-26 loss to defending nationwide champion North Dakota State on the Fargodome.

The Grizzlies had stolen some momentum within the second quarter, however with 58 seconds left earlier than halftime, Griz QB Lucas Johnson was sacked by NDSU’s Kody Huisman and the ball got here unfastened, rolling into the tip zone the place it was recovered by Cole Wisniewski for a landing and a 21-10 Bison lead.

Johnson appeared to worsen his knee damage on the play and was changed by backup Daniel Britt.

Within the third quarter, UM’s Corbin Walker returned an interception 58 yards for a TD to drag the Griz inside 21-20 on the scoreboard. NDSU answered, although, with two lengthy landing runs to reclaim a lead that grew too large for Montana to beat.

The Bison improved its residence playoff document to 32-1 since 2010 and gained for the thirty ninth consecutive time coming off a bye.

Turning level: After Walker returned his interception for a landing to deliver Montana inside one on the scoreboard, NDSU instantly answered when Kobe Johnson ran 75 yards for a landing on its subsequent offensive play.

Then, after Britt threw an interception, TaMerik Williams broke free and rumbled 68 yards for one more rating and a 35-20 Bison benefit.

Stat of the sport: NDSU’s Johnson led the way in which for what was a bodily and dominant operating recreation, piling up 206 yards. He had landing runs of 75 and 73 yards. The Bison completed with 455 yards on the bottom, averaging 11.4 per carry.

Grizzly recreation balls: RB Isaiah Childs (offense). With Nick Ostmo sidelined attributable to damage, Childs anchored Montana’s operating again output with 90 yards on 15 makes an attempt.

CB Corbin Walker (protection). Walker made Montana’s largest play on protection when he returned an interception 58 yards for a rating. It was Walkers second profession playoff pick-six.

KR/PR Junior Bergen (particular groups). NDSU did all it might to maintain kicks away from explosive Montana return man Malik Flowers. As a substitute, Junior Bergen acquired many of the alternatives, and had 83 mixed return yards.

What’s subsequent: The Grizzlies completed their season with an 8-5 document, which included a comeback victory within the first spherical of the playoffs final week in opposition to Southeast Missouri. However they couldn’t clear up the Bison.

Third-seeded NDSU (10-2) superior to face No. 6 Samford (11-1) subsequent week in a quarterfinal recreation on the Fargodome. The Bison are chasing their tenth FCS title prior to now 12 seasons.