(FARGO, ND) – NDSU is set to clash with a never-before-seen opponent this afternoon in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs.
No. 2 seed North Dakota State (11-2) is scheduled to host Southern Conference champion and No. 7 seed Mercer (11-2) at 2:30 p.m. in the FargoDome.
The Bison are coming off a 51-31 win over Abilene Christian in the FCS Second Round, while Mercer downed Rhode Island 17-10 last weekend.
The Bears are led by DJ Smith’s 73 percent passing percentage, going 99-of-136 passing for 1,315 yards and nine touchdowns. Whitt Newbauer is 93-of-161 passing for 1,308 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
Dwayne McGee is the leading rusher, with 1,132 yards rushing on 216 carries. He leads all rushers with eight touchdowns.
The Bison are led by quarterback Cam Miller’s 73 percent passing percentage. He’s 210-of-285 passing for 2,614 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Bryce Lance leads all receivers with 55 receptions for more than 700 yards and 11 touchdowns.
CharMar Brown has 205 rushes for just over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Gate City Bank Field at the FargoDome.
