North Dakota St. defeated Mercer 31-7 to advance to the FCS semifinals

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The playoff march continues for the Herd as North Dakota St. defeated Mercer 31-7 on Saturday to advance to the FCS semifinals for the fourth straight year.

Early goals and stingy defense led the Bison to a quarterfinal victory, with Cam Miller and Bryce Lance starring in the first quarter.

NDSU capped its first drive with a 40-yard touchdown from Cam Miller to Lance for a 7-0 lead.

On the next Bison drive, after a 70-yard completion from Miller to Mekhi Collins, Miller and Lance connected again for another touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

The Bears got a score back, but for North Dakota St., Cam Miller responded this time with his legs, rushing for a 34-yard score to keep Mercer out of arms reach.

The Bison led 24-7 at halftime and North Dakota St. took the 31-7 win.

Next up is a Dakota Marker rematch in the semifinals as NDSU hosts SDSU for the second time this season with a trip to Frisco and the FCS National Championship on the line. Kickoff Sat. December 21st is scheduled for 11:00 a.m

North Dakota St. won its regular season meeting at the Fargodome 13-9, marking its first Dakota Marker victory since 2019.

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