Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
North Dakota State
#2 North Dakota State knocks off Wildcats 41-14
9/12/2015 11:13:00 PM | Football
FARGO, N.D. -- After raising their fourth straight FCS National Championship banner to the rafters at the Fargodome, the second-ranked North Dakota State Bison responded with a 41-14 win over Weber State Saturday afternoon.
NDSU got off to a quick start as quarterback Carson Wentz ran for a 27-yard touchdown to start the scoring in the first quarter.
The Bison were driving again later in the quarter when Mitch Tulane forced and recovered an NDSU fumble. Two plays later Jadrian Clark found Cameron Livingston for a 68-yard touchdown to make it 7-7 with 4:00 left 1st quarter.
NDSU rallied to score three touchdowns in the second quarter as Wentz found Chase Morlock for 55 and 47 yard touchdowns and found Zach Vraa for a 23-yard pass to make it 28-7 at halftime.
The Bison started the second half with a 27-yard field goal, then a 37-yarder to start the 4th quarter.
The 'Cats came back with another big play as sophomore Erik Wilkes took the North Dakota State kickoff and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. His first career kickoff return and just the seventh 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Weber State history.
NDSU came right back with another touchdown run by King Frazier to finish the game at 41-14.
North Dakota State racked up 586 yards of total offense, with 407 yards coming in the first half. The Bison had 27 first downs and rushed for 305 and passed for 281 yards.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats had 206 yards of total offense but had just six first downs. WSU was 1-of-13 on third down conversions and the 'Cats rushed for just 53 yards.
North Dakota State held the ball for 40:04, compared to 19:56 for the Wildcats.
“We were outplayed in this one and you have to give North Dakota State credit,” said WSU head coach Jay Hill. “They were effective in all aspects of the game and really ran the ball well. We have to practice and play better and put ourselves in a position to play better. We still have a chance to be a good team.”
Individually, Jadrian Clark finished the game 9-of-23 passing for 123 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Cameron Livingston had five catches for 98 yards with the one touchdown. Treshawn Garrett started the game at running back and finished with 10 carries for 31 yards.
On defense freshman Karsen Liljenquist led the team with 15 tackles while Jared Afalava added 10. Tulane had seven tackles with the forced fumble and fumble recovery.
After two road games, the Wildcats will return to Ogden for the home opener next Saturday as WSU hosts Sacramento State in a non-conference game. It will also be the annual Homecoming game at Weber State. Kickoff set for 6 p.m. at Stewart Stadium.
