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A Look at the 5 plays that led to North Dakota State’s historic upset of Iowa.
North Dakota State fans don’t think of Saturday’s game against Iowa as an upset. The Bison have been winning for a very long time. However, today they happened to beat an AP Top 25 Iowa Hawkeye team that many believe will win the Big Ten, and they did it in Iowa’s own backyard.
After Bison kicker Cam Pedersen made the game-winning field goal from 37 yards out, the entire sideline ran toward their group of faithful fans in the corner of the end zone and celebrated. And rightfully so.
Here are the 5 plays that led to North Dakota State’s historic upset victory.
Number 1
MJ Stumpf’s 21-yard pick six in the first quarter kicked off the upset. When he intercepted Iowa QB C.J. Beathard for the first score of the game everyone in Kinnick Stadium knew that NDSU was here not just to play well and to represent the FCS in a showing worthy of mere respect–no, the Bison came to Iowa to win.
Iowa QB C.J. Beathard is intercepted by MJ Stumpf who returns it 21 yards for a North Dakota Stat… – via @ESPN App https://t.co/yHWvm9MOUD
— Stan Howard (@MobileSportsFan) September 17, 2016
Next: King Frazier's 1-yard blast into the endzone
Number 2
The Hawkeyes took the lead into the half, dominating the 2nd quarter with two touchdowns. It looked like things were going to go exactly as Iowa had planned. But in the 3rd quarter, King Frazier’s 1-yard blast into the endzone in the third quarter to tied the game. This was the moment when it became clear to everyone watching that NDSU wasn’t about to go away. It was also the moment when the Bison proved they could run the ball against a strong Iowa defense when it mattered most.
King Frazier (Top Ten Name) dives for the TD, #NDSUvsIOWA tied at 14 @RedditCFB https://t.co/VTZkAbsBxL
— Tyler Birschbach (@tylerbirsch) September 17, 2016
Next: King Frazier's first down run on 4th and 2
Sep 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; North Dakota State Bison running back King Frazier (22) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. North Dakota State won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Number 3
Bison running back King Frazier had a very big day against his biggest test this season. On 4th and 2, North Dakota State went for it, down by a touchdown in the 4th quarter. Stick handed Frazier the football and he was immediately met at the line of scrimmage.
But Frazier wasn’t done. He drove and twisted and gained three yards to keep the drive alive with under 6 minutes left in the game. This play was huge for the Bison confidence and led to a TD pass from Easton Stick to Chase Morlock, which brought NDSU within 1 point of Iowa (21-20).
Sep 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) reacts after a play during the second half against the North Dakota State Bison at Kinnick Stadium. North Dakota State won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Number 4
The Bison gambled, going for 2 points after their touchdown and hoping to take the lead, but they were stopped by Iowa. The Hawkeyes looked to put the game away. Iowa was one first down away from doing so when North Dakota State’s LB Robbie Grimsley sacked Beathard on 3rd and 11 with 2:00 left in the 4th. This play got the Bison the ball back for one final drive.
Sep 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Easton Stick (12) tries to avoid the tackle of Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Nathan Bazata (99) during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Number 5
After receiving the football on their own 34-yard line, Bison QB Easton Stick ran straight through the middle of the Hawkeye defense for 29 yards on the first play from scrimmage. After that, the feeling in the air in Iowa changed. North Dakota State was already on Iowa’s 37, and had over a minute left to get within field goal range.
After two more plays and a timeout, Bison kicker Cam Pedersen stepped onto the field. He had missed a tough 50-yarder earlier in the game. This attempt would be from 37 yards. The kick was true, just inside the right upright, as the game clock read all zeroes.
The NDSU victory over Iowa is without a doubt the upset of the day. The question is: Is it the upset of the year?
Again, don’t ask this question to Bison fans; they knew their squad could beat Iowa. And their North Dakota State Bison most certainly did.
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