FRISCO, TX – North Dakota State won its first FCS National Championship with a 17-6 victory over top-ranked and previously unbeaten Sam Houston State in a defensive battle between the nation’s top two defenses.
The Bison defense held the vaunted Sam Houston offense, ranked first in the country, to just 210 total yards, over 200 yards fewer than their season average, and the special teams executed a flawless fake punt in a crucial third quarter drive to give NDSU (14-1) a lead that they would not give up.
Bison sophomore quarterback Brock Jensen threw for 120 yards including a 39-yard touchdown pass to D.J. McNorton on the next play after the fake punt.
Travis Beck ran an interception back 63 yards for the Bison to set up the clinching score and end the Bearkats (14-1) perfect season.
John Tautges and Terry Donahue called the action.