The Bison defense dominates in lieu to three score victory

The Bison football team took care of business in their week one matchup with Albany. While the debut of quarterback transfer Quincey Patterson was lead storyline heading into the game, it was the Bison defense that stole the show.

The Bison defense forced three turnovers in the team’s 28-6 victory, as the Bison offense capitalized scoring touchdowns off each one.

The Bison were inches away from pitching a shutout. A 67-yard screen pass turned touchdown by Roy Alexander put Albany on the board with just seconds left in the first half. Replay showed that Alexander appeared to have been stripped at the goal line after a hustle play by Bison cornerback Courtney Eubanks, but to the disdain of the Fargodome faithful the call on the field stood.

Bison running back Dominic Gonnella helped the defense out after one of their only miscues after a 75-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second half to put the Herd up 21-6. According to Patterson, this touchdown put the game out of reach for Albany.

“I feel like I said this in another (press) conference if we put up 20 points we’re winning the game because the defense isn’t allowing more than 14.”

The Bison played their usual brand of complimentary football on Saturday. The defense created turnovers for the offense, the offense responded by capitalizing and wearing the opposing defense down with their run game, and they were solid on special teams.

This has been the formula for a little over a decade now, and while it was just one game, it was a pleasant sight for Bison fans.

Patterson’s performance in his first game as a Bison was solid, albeit unspectacular. The former Virginia Tech Hokie just wasn’t asked to do much, as he went 12 for 16 through the air for 115 yards and one touchdown. As the season rolls on, it will be interesting to see how Patterson responds when he’s asked to shoulder more of the load. It’s safe to say he appears to have the trust of his coaches and teammates to do so when the time comes.

Valparaiso comes to Fargo this Saturday for the Herd’s second game of the season. One thing to watch is how Patterson and the offense continues to change each week before conference play begins in a couple weeks.

Expect the Bison defense to dominate again next week as well. Valparaiso threw four interceptions and put the ball on the ground against Indiana Wesleyan this past Saturday, so another multi-turnover day could be in the cards.