The North Dakota State Bison hit the road after winning 31-10 over Missouri Valley rival Illinois State. With a record of 4-0, 1-0 MVFC, the Bison head to Springfield, Mo. to face the Missouri State Bears at 2:00 p.m. on October 8. The Bears are coming off a dominating road win over No. 24 ranked Indiana State with a score of 45-24. Missouri State are 3-1, 1-0 to start of the season and are off to just their third 3-1 start in the past 10 seasons.
The Bears are a well-balanced team when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. With an average 179.8 rushing yards per game and eight touchdowns on the season, they look to try and break through NDSU’s front seven as the Bison have only allowed an average of 86.5 yards and a total of four touchdowns in the first four games.
When it comes to the air, this is where the Bears have the biggest opportunity to do some damage against the Bison with NDSU allowing on average 261 yards per game with a total of eight touchdowns through the air. The Bears should most definitely try to increase their average of 184.8 yards per game and seven total touchdown passes on the year.
When the field is flipped and the Bison have the ball, the numbers are similar when it comes to yards gained and yards allowed for both teams. On the ground, the Bison average 235.8 yards a game with a total of seven rushing touchdowns. While the Bear’s defense is averaging only giving up 76.5 yards a game and a total of five touchdowns this season.
Passing is where Missouri State also struggles on defense. The Bears, on average are giving up 222.5 yards a game and allowed five passing touchdowns. The Bison can also try to take advantage as they average 207.8 yards a game and have eight passing touchdowns.
It seems to be that Missouri State main receiver is Malik Earl. Earl has 288 yards and two touchdowns on 19 receptions in these first four games. The Bison cannot focus solely on Earl. Yes he is a big part in the passing game, but as seen in past games if you focus on one guy two things will happen. Either the offense will start spreading out to other receivers or start running the ball. Eastern Washington showed the Bison that in their visit to Fargo with Connor Kupp.
The running game for the Bears will be a challenge for the Bison. The Bears have three running backs that are over 100 yards rushing. Their main back is Calan Crowder, who has 266 yards on the ground and four rushing scores. Jason Randall is next in line with 153 rushing yards and two scores. Nick Masoner is next with 137 yards with no scores. The Bison front line has been strong so far this season. However, the Bison missed some tackles in the open field last week.
“It is one area we need to be better at is open field tackling,” head coach Chris Klieman said on Monday.
Not to be outdone, the Bison have weapons if their own on offense. Easton Stick does a very good job spreading the ball around. Darrius Shepherd had the most receptions of 13 for 168 yards and two scores. RJ Urzendowski has the most receiving yards of 207 on eight receptions and two scores as well. Look for Stick to spread the field some more this week against the Bears secondary. Urzendowski led the FCS with 25.88 yards per reception.
NDSU can also run the ball effectively. King Frazier is the starting running back and is having a great season. Frazier has a total of 293 yards rushing and three scores. Lance Dunn is right behind him with 288 and two scores. Stick not only can pass but he can run. The quarterback has 157 yards and a score with his legs. Bruce Anderson is questionable to play after sitting out the Illinois State game with a lower leg injury.
All in all, it should be a great game. The Bison are looking to remain perfect as they march on to try to make it six straight championships. As the Bears look to upset NDSU and make it two in a row over conference teams. There is no doubt that these two teams will leave nothing on the field. Should be one hell of a game.