North Dakota State returns to Frisco, Texas for the seventh time this January as the Bison will go for history, attempting to become the first FCS program to win seven national championships. Over the next ten days, we’ll look back at the ten biggest moments NDSU has had in its previous six title game appearances.
NUMBER NINE, 2018 FCS Championship Game: James Madison had stolen the momentum of the game in the second half, scoring a third quarter touchdown to trim the deficit to 17-13. After a poor Bison punt, JMU took over at the NDSU 48 yard line. Dukes quarterback Bryan Schor hit All-American wide receiver Riley Stapleton for back to back plays that combined for 28 yards as JMU was knocking on the door. On a second and ten play, Schor tried to go over the middle, but NDSU sophomore cornerback Marquise Bridges made a fantastic play, grabbing the ball out of mid-air for an interception.
Bridges was starting the title game at cornerback after NDSU’s two starting corners, Jalen Allison and Jaylaan Wimbush were each injured during the semifinals. Bridges was converted to cornerback from wide receiver during the 2016 season and in 2017 saw his first extended time at that position.