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Bison roll Tennessee State in an afternoon of firsts

NDSU offensive line and Tennessee State defensive line
Bison offensive line and Tennessee State defensive line / Via WDAY Radio staff

It was a day of firsts for the Bison on Saturday afternoon’s home opener against Tennessee State, in front of a home crowd of 16,811 fans.

In the first half alone three Bison scored their first touchdowns at the collegiate level. NDSU forced a punt on the Tigers’ first possession. Once taking over with the ball, NDSU would journey 77 yards over 12 plays resulting in a touchdown from Cam Miller on a 24-yard scamper. 7-0 Bison.

The ensuing Tennessee State drive would result in a three-and-out. NDSU would score again this time on a drive that spanned over 2:22 in game clock on nine plays and 69 yards. The score was on a 14-yard pass from Miller to Bryce Lance. It was Lance’s first receiving TD of his collegiate career. 14-0 Bison. 

To end the first quarter, defensive end Toby Enene sacked TSU QB Draylen Ellis. The sack was Enene’s first of his Bison career.

In the second quarter NDSU got an explosive 67-yard punt return from Shanley graduate John Gores, setting up the Bison at the TSU 26-yard line.

NDSU would score four plays later on a Marty Brown three yard TD carry. 21-0 Bison.

After another TSU forced punt, NDSU took over at its own 24-yard line. The Bison would embark on a 77 yard drive spanning four minutes and four seconds over eight plays, resulting in a touchdown. This time Miller connected with Gores from 12 yards out. Gores’ first receiving touchdown. Bison lead 28-0.

At the tail end of the first half TSU would be forced to punt for the fifth time, allowing the Bison to take over at their own 40-yard line with 1:16 remaining in the half. NDSU would march 60 yards over eight plays in 60 seconds, capped off by a six yard TD pass from Miller to Lance. Their second touchdown connection of the half. Bison up 35-0.

HALFTIME

To begin the third quarter both teams would exchange punts. In NDSU’s second drive, they would take over at the TSU 40-yard line. Over the next three plays, the Bison would only gain seven yards, setting up a field goal attempt from the 33-yard line. Redshirt freshman kicker Eli Ozick would line up the kick and knock it down from 51 yards. It was the longest Bison field goal since 2016 and the eighth longest in program history. Additionally, it was Ozick’s first made field goal of his collegiate career. Bison lead 38-0.

The rest of the third quarter was a stalemate as more rotational and depth players started to see the field for the Bison. NDSU forced and recovered a fumble in the closing seconds of the third quarter.

NDSU would then march 30 yards over four plays as Cole Payton connected with Mekhi Collins on a 19-yard touchdown pass. The catch was collins’ first career touchdown reception. Bison up 45-0.

After another Tennessee State lost fumble, NDSU took over at its own 42 yard line. The Bison sent out a grouping of depth players that included third string QB Nathan Hayes and Fargo-native Peder Haugo. NDSU would score three plays into the drive on a Hayes 51-yard scurry. This was Hayes’ first collegiate touchdown. Bison up 52-0.

In the middle of the fourth quarter TSU sustained a drive of 74 yards over eight plays, but were stopped at the one-yard line. The Tigers would hit a 19-yard field goal to get on the board. Bison lead 52-3.

With the running clock rolling, NDSU would take over with 5:34 remaining in the game. The Bison would bleed out the remaining game time on an eight play drive that totaled 36 yards.

FINAL

NDSU 52

Tennessee State 3

Postgame head coach Tim Polasek gave his thoughts on his first victory as a head coach saying, “It was good to get that one out of the way”. Polasek continued, “Cam gave me the ball” when discussing the magnitude of the victory. When asked about the win at the Fargodome he said, “It’s a big deal and we’re gonna keep getting better”.

Following Polasek speaking, quarterback Cam Miller went to the podium and was asked about the win. “He’s really cared about the guys in the locker room, everyone was super emotional for his first win”, said Miller on Tim Polasek’s first head coaching win.

The Bison improve to 1-1 on the season and Tim Polasek gets his first head coaching win.

NDSU hits the road next Saturday, September 14 to take on East Tennessee State. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

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