Bison Sports Update: December 16th

It was not an uplifting week for Bison athletics.

Football
NDSU Football traveled to Missoula, Montana to play 2nd seeded Montana in the FCS semifinals. Both teams started slow. NDSU kicked a field goal to open their only lead of the game. Montana would score a touchdown to open the 2nd quarter. Both teams would kick field goals to go into halftime, the Griz leading 10-6. In the 3rd quarter the Bison managed to cut the deficit to 10-9 with another field goal. In the 4th quarter though, things changed. NDSU allowed a punt return touchdown to Montana star returner Junior Bergen, however they missed the extra point leaving it to a 7 point game. NDSU would score their first touchdown with under a minute remaining in regulation on a pass from Cam Miller to Eli Green. 
In overtime, the Bison got the ball first. They would score right away on a untouched Cole Payton touchdown. Montana would then score on their possession as well. In the 2nd overtime, the Griz scored on their 2nd play from scrimmage. They then completed their 2 point conversion off a pass that was tipped by a Bison defender. The Bison would score on their possession as well, however their 2 point conversion went a little wonky and was intercepted. That ended the game. 
This concludes a weird season for North Dakota State. I wish Matt Entz all the luck in the world as he heads to USC to become their linebackers coach. I know all the linebackers and defensive players/staff will appreciate his presence and knowledge. He brought NDSU 2 national titles, which is more then any other coach can say in that time span. Now we wait for who athletic director Matt Larsen will name as the next head coach of the Bison, as well as whatever ripple effects that may have.
Despite finishing in the semis, I believe this was a good season for the Herd and that they can build on this going forward. Good season gentleman!
North Dakota State Football finishes the season with a 5-3 record in MVFC play and a 11-4 record overall on the season.

Men's Basketball
NDSU Men's Basketball had a week off this week. This week, they return to action for a Missouri Valley roadtrip. They begin on Sunday with a 3 PM CT matchup with Illinois State. Then, on Tuesday they will play Southern Illinois at 7 PM CT. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
North Dakota State Men's Basketball is 7-4 on the season.

Women's Basketball
NDSU Women's Basketball also had the week off. This week, they return to action with a home game against Central Michigan, which concludes the home and home with them. The game will be on Wednesday at 7 PM CT and will be broadcast on WDAY Xtra and the Summit League Network.
North Dakota State Women's Basketball is 4-6 on the season.

Next week, as long as the head coach has been named, I will breakdown the decision for who the new HC is.
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Go Bison!