North Dakota State Bison
Missouri Valley
With five straight FCS National Championships, North Dakota State is clearly the favorite to win the title in 2016 until proven otherwise. As it usually goes, the Bison did lose a game in the regular season. This time it was at home to South Dakota State, who knocked off NDSU 19-17. However, North Dakota State always saves their best football for the playoffs.
2016 Record: 10-1, 7-1
Coach: Chris Klieman
Big Wins: 9/10 Eastern Washington (50-44), 9/17 at Iowa (23-21)
Bad Losses: 10/15 South Dakota State (17-19)
Strengths:
The defense has again been spectacular this season. The Bison have allowed more than 21 points just once this season and that was an overtime win over the pass happy Eastern Washington offense. Greg Menard and Brad Ambrosius are very dangerous pass rushers and Nate Tanguay is one of the best defensive tackles in the MVFC. Linebackers Pierre Gee-Tucker, Matt Plank and MJ Stumpf have done a very good job stepping up their game when star linebacker Nick DeLuca went down with an injury early in the season. The secondary is loaded with playmakers. Robbie Grimsley, Jalen Allison and Tre Dempsey have each intercepted at least four passes this season. The secondary is prone to give up some big plays, but they usually make up for it by making big plays of their own.
Weaknesses:
With such a talented defense, the offense does not need to do too much. Coach Chris Klieman is happy to keep the ball on the ground and grind out wins. With Lance Dunn and King Frazier leading the ground game, that is usually enough to get the win. Those two are tough backs who have both been very productive while splitting carries. Easton Stick has already lead NDSU to one national title and the sophomore signal caller will look to make it two in 2016. He has not been the most consistent passer and needs to avoid poor decisions that lead to interceptions, but Stick can make plays with his arm and his legs. He has not been asked to do much with his arm for most of this season, but he has already proven that he is capable of making big plays when needed.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Lance Dunn, RB, 756 yards
Passing: Easton Stick, QB, 1,719 yards
Receiving: Darrius Shepherd, WR, 495 yards
Tackles: Pierre Gee-Tucker, LB, 70; Robbie Grimsley, S, 70
Sacks: Greg Menard, DE, 9.5
Interceptions: Tre Dempsey, S, 5
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 227.0 (14th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 157.3 (104, 9)
Total Offense: 384.3 (55, 7)
Scoring Offense: 28.2 (47, 6)
Rushing Defense: 99.6 (11, 1)
Pass Defense: 220.4 (59, 5)
Total Defense: 320.0 (19, 3)
Scoring Defense: 16.7 (6, 2)
Turnover Margin: 1.00 (13, 1)
Sacks: 2.90 (10, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 1.20 (22, 1)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2015 Second Round Defeated Montana
2015 Quarterfinals Defeated Northern Iowa
2015 Semifinals Defeated Richmond
2015 Championship Defeated Jacksonville State
2014 Second Round Defeated South Dakota State
2014 Quarterfinals Defeated Coastal Carolina
2014 Semifinals Defeated Sam Houston State
2014 Championship Defeated Illinois State
2013 Second Round Defeated Furman
2013 Quarterfinals Defeated Coastal Carolina
2013 Semifinals Defeated New Hampshire
2013 Championship Defeated Towson
2012 Second Round Defeated South Dakota State
2012 Quarterfinals Defeated Wofford
2012 Semifinals Defeated Georgia Southern
2012 Championship Defeated Sam Houston State
2011 Second Round Defeated James Madison
2011 Quarterfinals Defeated Lehigh
2011 Semifinals Defeated Georgia Southern
2011 Championship Defeated Sam Houston State
2010 First Round Defeated Robert Morris
2010 Second Round Defeated Montana State
2010 Quarterfinals Lost to Eastern Washington
*all team stats through 11/12
