By Eric Peterson
Forum News Service
FRISCO, Texas -- North Dakota State made college football history Saturday at Toyota Stadium, fueled by a familiar formula.
A suffocating defense and a deliberate offense sparked the Bison to a 37-10 victory against Jacksonville State (Ala.) for an unprecedented fifth consecutive NCAA Division I FCS national championship before 21,836 fans.
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"It's remarkable, the five titles," Bison head coach Chris Klieman said. "I can't put it into words. I'm hoping some day I'll be able to, but it's remarkable what these guys have done."
NDSU (13-2) is the first team in the modern era of college football to win five consecutive national crowns. Yale won an unofficial six straight titles from 1879 to 1884.
The Bison have a 71-5 record over those five championship seasons.
"It speaks for itself," Bison senior wide receiver Zach Vraa said. "It is amazing to be part of a team that's won five."
The Bison shut down a potent Jacksonville State offense that averaged 53.7 points in its first three playoff games. The Gamecocks were limited to a season-low 204 yards and 10 points. In their four playoff games, NDSU limited its opponents to an average of nine points and 216 yards. All four Bison playoff opponents finished with a season low in total yards.
"I don't think our defense gets enough credit for being athletic and fast. ... All these explosive offenses that we've played in the playoffs and stuff, our defense can fly," Klieman said. "That's as good a defensive effort as I've seen from a four-game stretch in the playoffs."
Bison junior linebacker Nick DeLuca led the charge against Jacksonville State, finishing with nine tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.
"We just built off each performance," DeLuca said. "Each week we got better."
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The Bison scored the game's first 24 points, while limiting Jacksonville State to 94 yards in the first half. The Gamecocks (13-2) hadn't lost to an FCS opponent until the title game. Their only loss was a 27-20 overtime setback against Auburn in the second game this season.
"They've been here for a reason," Jacksonville State head coach John Grass said. "They're that good. Actually, we just didn't give them a good day today. ... Five in a row is a pretty special deal for them to have done that."
Bison quarterback Carson Wentz had a successful return after missing the eight previous games with a broken wrist. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound senior completed 16 of 29 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 79 yards and two scores and was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
"You can tell he totally cares about this program," Bison receiver Zach Vraa said of Wentz. "Now to see him come out in this game just showed the team and everybody else what we can overcome."
The Bison started to create separation in the second quarter after DeLuca intercepted Jacksonville State quarterback Eli Jenkins. The diving catch gave NDSU the ball at the Gamecocks' 28-yard line.
"Some plays I was amazed by, the guy diving for the interception, that was a great play," Jenkins said.
Four plays after DeLuca's interception, Wentz scored on an 11-yard touchdown run that gave the Bison a 17-0 lead with 11 minutes, 13 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
"Nick DeLuca is one of the best defensive players in the country," Bison defensive coordinator Matt Entz said. "I love that kid to death. He's only going to get better."
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Junior running back King Frazier gave the Bison a 24-0 lead, scoring on a 1-yard run with 6:12 remaining in the second quarter. NDSU took that lead into halftime and the Gamecocks didn't get any closer that two touchdowns of the lead in the second half.
"We prepare every day, we win every day, and that's a formula that wins championships," said Bison sophomore safety Tre Dempsey. "It just proves Bison pride. This is what we expect. This is what is expected to be done."
