North Dakota State advances to FCS final

FARGO, N.D. – Brock Jensen threw three touchdown passes and John Crockett ran for 196 yards to help North Dakota State overpower New Hampshire 52-14 in the Football Championship Subdivision semifinals on Friday night.

The two-time national champion Bison (14-0) advanced to the FCS title game Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas, against the winner of today’s semifinal between Eastern Washington and Towson.

North Dakota State is trying to match Appalachian State’s string of three straight FCS crowns from 2005-07.

The Bison overcame two turnovers and a 7-0 deficit in the first 3 minutes to roll over the Wildcats (10-5) before a playoff record-crowd of 18,694 fans at the Fargodome in the last home game for head coach Craig Bohl, who’s leaving for Wyoming after the championship game.

North Dakota State finished with a 509-184 advantage in total offense.

The Bison scored 31 points before half, including Jensen’s three touchdown passes, a 32-yard field goal by Adam Keller, and a defensive touchdown.