NDSU uses familiar formula to reach another FCS title game

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota used a familiar formula of John Crockett and a stingy defense to earn its fourth straight trip to the FCS championship game.

Crockett ran for three touchdowns and the Bison suffocated Sam Houston State's offense in the second half for a 35-3 win before more than 18,000 fans at Friday's semifinal game.

The three-time defending champion Bison (14-1) will return to Frisco, Texas, in January with the hopes of becoming the first team in the division formerly known as I-AA to win four titles in a row. Appalachian State has also won three in a row.

"You can't really put it into words," Bison defensive end Kyle Emanuel said. "It's just awesome to do it with this group of people, this group of seniors."

The Bearkats (11-5) were trying to find their way back to Frisco after losing back-to-back title games to NDSU in 2011 and 2012. Sam Houston State had a statistical edge in the first half, but the Bison offense piled up 217 yards in the third quarter to break open a close game.

NDSU scored 28 unanswered points in the second half.

"We actually wore out in the second half. That's a great credit to them," Sam Houston coach K.C. Keeler said. "We're disappointed, but I'm very proud of my kids."

Clinging to a 7-3 halftime lead despite being outgained 164-99 in total offense, the Bison put the game in the hands of their offensive line.

"We said let's settle down and do what we do," Crocket said. "Let's play Bison football."

NDSU began to take command with a 90-yard drive midway through the third quarter that only took four plays, the last a 33-yard touchdown run by King Frazier to make it 14-3. Crockett ignited the drive with a 16-yard run, his longest to that point, and then caught a 35-yard pass from quarterback Carson Wentz.

That was the first of four straight scoring drives for NDSU.