North Dakota state backed up their second straight FCS title last year with their fourth win over a BCS conference program, beating K-State 24-21 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
K-State looked to be in total control midway through the third quarter after a 17-yard touchdown run by Daniel Sams to make the score 21-7. The Bison rallied to score the final 17 points of the game, capped off by a devastating 18 play, 80-yard drive over 8:30 of the fourth quarter.
Two key stats that really define the game were third down conversions and rushing yards. North Dakota State converted 10 of 17 third down conversions, and K-State mustered just 41 rushing yards. This from a team that averaged 194 rushing yards per game last season.
Jake Waters showed flashes of brilliance in his debut, but the offense also stalled at key points late in the game. Waters finished the night 21-29 for 280 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Things don’t get much easier next week. K-State entertains a Louisiana team that won nine games last year and nearly upset Florida on the road. Kickoff is at 5:30 and Powercat Gameday starts at 1:30.
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