Herd it Hear with Swany: Recent Episodes
MWC
Bison Illustrated columnist, podcast host and NDSU alum Josh Swanson takes the reigns hosting Herd It Here talking game match-ups, taking calls and offering the best way to get your gameday started each Saturday morning from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.!
Josh Swanson and Derek Hanson breakdown the home game taking place Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Fargodome as NDSU hosts Southern Illinois.
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Josh Swanson is back, and is ready to preview the upcoming NDSU Bison football season, starting with Saturday's game at the Citadel.
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Derek Hanson fills in for Josh Swanson to kick off the college football season, and plays back his NDSU Bison Media Day interviews with players Bryce Lance (WR), Cole Payton (QB), Trent Frayley (C), Jaxon Duttenhefer (DL), Logan Kopp (LB) and Jaylen Duffie (CB).
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Getting closer to the FCS National Title in Frisco with the Bison and Jacks. Swany is joined by Sam Herder of HERO Sports to break down this matchup.
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It was another playoff classic, as NDSU held off Incarnate Word in the FCS semifinal and it's back to Frisco. Swany recaps it all in this show.
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It's on to the semifinals, as the Bison handled Samford on Friday night. Swany recaps the three Friday quarterfinals, plus the SDSU-Holy Cross game on Saturday.
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Swany gets you ready for all the FCS playoff action, including the Bison and Montana at the Fargodome.
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Swany is ready for the FCS playoffs. NDSU has the week off, but there is a full slate of playoff action. Sam Herder from HERO Sports and BetMGM helps to break down all the action.
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Swany was out, so guest hosts Justin Swanson and Pat Thiel fill in and talk NDSU-UND and other FCS football news.
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Swany gets you ready as the Bison hit the road again this week versus Southern Illinois.
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Swany joined by former Bison Adam Palczewski, now a teacher and coach in West Fargo. They talk all things Bison ahead of the game at Western Illinois
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The Brothers Swany hit a variety of topics Bison football related ahead of the game versus Illinois St.
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Bye week for the Herd, but not for Swany. He reflects on the NDSU loss to South Dakota State, and what's to come for the remainder of the season.
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It's the battle for the Dakota Marker, 1 vs. 2 with the Bison and South Dakota State! Swany and his guests get you ready.
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Not just one Swany, but two! Josh and Justin Swanson get you ready for the Bison and Indiana State.
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It's homecoming for the Herd! Swany gets you ready for the matchup vs. Youngstown State at the Fargodome. Plus a visit with Hero Sports writer Sam Herder on NDSU and FCS football.
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Swany gets up fired up for the NDSU matchup with FBS foe Arizona, the first game vs. an FBS opponent for the Herd in six years.
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Swany talks FCS Football with Sam Herder from HERO Sports and previews the Bison home matchup vs. North Carolina A & T.
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Swany previewed the season opener vs. Drake, plus visits with former Bison QB Brock Jensen and TV voice Dom Izzo.
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Time for another season of Herd It Hear with Swany! Josh Swanson is joined by Jeff Kolpack of the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead for a 2022 season preview of NDSU football.
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Destin Talbert made one of the biggest plays in Fargodome history that helped send North Dakota State back to Frisco, Texas. With James Madison facing a 3rd&6 at the NDSU 7-yard line with 3:06 left in the instant classic, the senior cornerback soared through the air to somehow intercept the Dukes All-America quarterback Cole Johnson. The turnover sent an already electrified home crowd into overdrive as the Bison used one last defensive stand moments later in the game's closing seconds to secure an epic 20-14 win.
The game saw a back-and-forth second half, and a series of big plays, none bigger than Talbert's pick that will be talked about in NDSU circles for decades. Hunter Luepke scored both Bison touchdowns, and Jake Reinholz banged home a pair of field goals, to give the Herd an edge over a Duke's team stymied by the Code Green defense. The Bison held JMU to a season-low in points and yardage. The win punched NDSU's ticket back to Frisco for the ninth time in 11 years. Swany is joined by former NDSU defensive lineman and West Fargo High School basketball coach Adam Palczewski to talk about one of the most memorable games in school history.
The guys talk about how critical NDSU's culture has been in sustaining a championship level program going back to the 1960s, and why Bison fans need to enjoy moments like this.
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Put your seat backs and tray tables in their upright positions because it's playoff time, and North Dakota State is on a high-flying mission to get back to Frisco. It starts today in a second round Missouri Valley Football Conference contest against Southern Illinois. The "Swany-cast" --- the upper Midwest version of the "Manning-cast" says the Herd will dominate the Salukis. And that ain't just homer talk. The battle tested Bison fans and great football minds from Maddock, North Dakota tell you that NDSU will absolutely own the lines of scrimmage in what they expect to be a big day for the Herd. Start your Bison Football weekend and Frisco run with Herd It Hear with the Swany's, where champions come to talk!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
After a brutal 27-19 mistake-filled loss to South Dakota State in Brookings, the Swany Bros preach that there are still big things, like a Frisco trip, ahead for the Herd. In 2.5 games as the starting QB, Cam Miller has 8 touchdown passes and is completing nearly 70 percent of his throws. Swany says the Herd needs to figure out its running game, though, as they've struggled to get any ground attack going with their running backs.
Brother Swan rounds out the Swanycast and brings a notebook to the table --- quite literally, he brought a notebook into the studio --- with all kinds of nuggets. The twin brothers disagree about the Bison offense, and Brother Swan flashes the proverbial double birds. At the end of the day, the Swanycast agrees on one big thing: the Herd brings home a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference title to Fargo with a convincing win over Youngstown State.
It's fun that only parents can love this week, where champions come to talk, on Herd it Hear!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
It's a house of horrors this Halloween weekend on Herd It Hear as Brother Swan joins the show to kickoff Bison GameDay. North Dakota State hasn't lost a game in October since 2015. Don't expect that trend to stop today against Indiana State. The Swany Bros say the Bison offensive finally hits its stride, faster than David Pumpkins, after a month of up and down performances. The key to a big day for the Herd are the Rams as NDSU seeks its first 100-yard rusher (from the running backs) since the season opener against Albany.
The Swany Bros talk about the 7-0 Herd, the Bison quarterback situation, and big FCS news with James Madison announcing its move to the Sun Belt this week. The guys talk about how and why Cam Miller was able to come off the bench, leading the Herd to two huge touchdown drives, including the game-winner, last Saturday against Missouri State. The twin brothers from Maddock, N.D., open up the barrel of laughs, crates of football insight, and predict a huge afternoon for the Herd -- this week, on Herd it Hear!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Another week, and another ranked team comes to the Fargodome looking for a signature win over the FCS's best team. Led by quarterback Jason Shelley, who tops the Missouri Valley Football Conference in total offense per game, Missouri State's high flying offense meets the nation's best defense in Code Green. The Herd's defense has been historically good through six games, allowing an FCS-low five touchdowns, and leads the FCS in scoring defense (7.2 points per game) and total defense (226.5 ypg). Those are the lowest averages for points and yards allowed in NDSU’s 18 seasons in Division I, better than than 11.3 points per game by the 2013 national championship team and the 234.5 ypg by the 2012 national title team.
Swany Says the Bison offense is oh so tantalizingly close. If the Herd solves its red zone woes, look out! With everyone talking about the Bears' offense, it's the Bison offense that will shine today! The Herd returns to the friendly confines of the Fargodome in another Top 25 showdown. Start your NDSU GameDay with some high flying Bison radio with Herd It Hear!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
A week after a 34-20 demolition of a Northern Iowa program on the rise, the Herd looks to spoil Illinois State's homecoming. Quincy Patterson torched the Panthers for four touchdowns, including a dynamite 85-yard precision guided bomb to Christian Watson. Watson, the most explosive offensive weapon in the FCS, finished with five catches for 163 yards and a score. A big punt return by Jayden Price, followed by a strip sack by Will Mostaert, setup two Bison touchdowns early in the second half.
Swany is joined by the Bison Illustrated's Brady Drake. The guys talk about a Herd offense on the rise, and the suffocating Code Green/"Best Friends Defense." Swany says he expects NDSU's offense to be aggressive in attacking the Redbirds today, and ISU's problems getting off the field on third down will be costly against the Herd. Patterson's growing chemistry with his receivers, combined with his running skills and the Bison ground game, are heating up.
The guys also discuss some surprise teams in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and a slate of big matchups this weekend - including North Dakota at Southern Illinois, and South Dakota at UNI.
The Bison offense continues the march, this week, on Herd It Hear!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
North Dakota State ruined the University of North Dakota's party at the Alerus Center last weekend, riding a shutdown performance from Code Green to a 16-10 win. While the Herd did enough offensively to down the Fighting Hawks, they'll look for a stronger showing this weekend against one of the hottest teams in the FCS, Northern Iowa.
The Panthers feature a new signal caller in Theo Day. Day, a Michigan State transfer, leads an explosive Panthers offense. Swany tells Bison fans to take a deep breath, enjoy the win against UND, and crack a happy bag of smiles for today's big Homecoming contest against UNI. Brian Shawn, from Midco Sports, joins the show to talk about the Herd's big win in Grand Forks, and breakdown the keys for taming the Panthers. The guys talk about Code Green's team chemistry, and a Bison offense that just may be on the brink of finding its rhythm.
Kick back, and start your Homecoming celebration with your friends from Herd It Hear!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
So far, so good. North Dakota State is 2 - 0 after trouncing Valparaiso 64 - 0 at the Fargodome. Nine different Bison scored touchdowns, eight of them coming from at least 20 yards out. Swany Says expect a coming out sort of performance from Quincy Patterson today. The signal caller from Chicago rushed the ball for 94 yards and a touchdown, and connected on 4-of-5 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, against Valpo. With the Bison leading the nation in rushing at 358.5 yards per game, tonight at Towson is ripe for some big play action home run balls.
The bold prediction of the week is a defensive touchdown from Code Green. Towson enters the game having been intercepted five times. I expect the Bison defense to stuff the Tigers run game, creating long passing downs. NDSU's imposing defensive front will get pressure on Towson's QB, causing him to rush a throw to a Bison defender that will be housed.
We also take a stroll down memory lane, remembering NDSU's 23-21 win at Iowa five years ago this weekend, and, of course, the Herd's 2013 National Championship against Towson. The tailgating scene at Iowa with Bison Nation was unforgettable, and the day only got better from there.
Drink in all the majesty and glory that is a college football Saturday, this week on Herd It Hear!
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As we enjoy and celebrate this weekend's festivities surrounding North Dakota State's game against Valparaiso, it's important that we reflect on the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. On September 11, 2001, 2,977 people were killed in four separate acts of terrorism against America in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. We honor the memories of those lost as we will never forget the events of that day and its aftermath.
I was sitting in a history class at Menard Hall on NDSU's campus when we learned the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Later that day, I walked to class at South Engineering by the Bison statue on the south end of campus. Campus was somber and quiet as the world had changed forever. Yet here we are, 20 years later, still standing, and still united.
Shifting gears, we're joined by Brian Shawn from Midco Sports to talk about the Herd's 28-6 opening day win over Albany. We discuss the dominating performance from Code Green, the solid play from Bison quarterback Quincy Patterson, and the Rams and the rushing attack bulldozing the Great Danes in the second half. The Herd out-gaining Albany 259-22 on the ground. We also visit about NDSU's improved secondary play, and the focus on getting better and taking strides against Valpo this week.
It's a day for reflection, and celebration, as we stand united, the Strength of the Herd, this week, on Herd It Hear With Swany.
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North Dakota State enters the fall as the No. 3/No. 4 team in America, but with a giant chip on its shoulders after seeing their season end in the FCS quarterfinals at Sam Houston State last spring. While all eyes will be on new quarterback, Quincy Patterson, a transfer from Virginia Tech, how far the Herd goes will be dictated by how well the Rams play. The offensive line needs to give Patterson time, and key a strong running attack, to open up things for NDSU's explosive playmakers like Christian Watson and Phoenix Sproles. Swany also delivers a physics lesson on how Patterson will be delivering some Netwons this afternoon ... Force = Mass x Acceleration!
On the defensive side of the ledger, Code Green faces a tough test in Albany QB Jeff Undercuffler, who led the FCS in 2019 with 41 touchdown passes.
Swany is joined by Nolan Schmidt, and they tell you why they're both bullish on the Bison's prospects to get back to Frisco. With more hot takes in one hour than should be legal on radio, kick off your tailgater and Bison Game Day with Herd It Hear with Swany!
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UNI and NDSU preview with Herd it Hear with Swany
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The day Bison fans have been waiting for has arrived! Swany and the gang come from Toyota Stadium in Frisco Texas to get you ready for the FCS Championship.
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
It’s been another memorable year for North Dakota State football in 2018. We, the Bison faithful, have plenty of reasons to celebrate as NDSU seeks a record seventh Football Championship Subdivision national championship this week, the most in FCS history. The Bison are currently tied with Georgia Southern, each team with six FCS titles. Heading into this Saturday's game against Eastern Washington in Frisco, Texas, NDSU has fourteen national championships in program history with previous titles coming in '65, '68, '69, '83, '85, '86, '88, '90, '11, '12, '13, '14, '15, and '17.
Highlights on this year's Road To Frisco include two wins over rival South Dakota State, Easton Stick breaking numerous school records on his way to becoming NDSU’s first Walter Payton award finalist, and a coaching change during the playoffs that saw Chris Klieman take the Kansas State job to be succeeded here by defensive coordinator Matt Entz. All these storylines collide in full force as the Bison look to put an exclamation point on an undefeated season when they face the Eagles.
Before we look ahead to the matchup with EWU, though, here’s a look at the Top 14 moments from NDSU’s last six FCS title games in Frisco.
No. 14 – Crockett's Jump Pass
While the final score may have been a lopsided 39-13 in North Dakota State’s second straight national championship win over Sam Houston State, there was still plenty of game left after Bearkats kicker Miguel Antonio nailed a 32-yard field goal to cut NDSU’s lead to 25-13 with 13:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Bison responded with a signature, six-play drive covering 65 yards capped by a one-yard touchdown plunge by quarterback Brock Jensen. But it was a pass from an unlikely source that leads off our Top 14 championship moments.
NDSU faced a crucial 3rd-and-1 from the Bearkats 31-yard line. Not surprisingly, the Bison gave the ball to future NFL running back John Crockett. What surprised everyone in the stadium was that, after taking the handoff, Crockett pulled up short of the line of scrimmage, leaped in the air and floated a picturesque jump pass to tight end Kevin Vaadeland. Vaadeland went 26 yards before being tackled at SHSU's 5-yard line setting up Jensen’s third touchdown of the game.
No. 13 – Smith's Interception Caps Huge Sequence
For the first time, North Dakota State faced someone other than Sam Houston State for the FCS championship. Towson would attempt to do something no other team had done to the Bison that year, including defending Big XII champion Kansas State, beat the back-to-back champs. Early on, it looked like NDSU was in for all it could handle. That is, until the Bison launched a sequence of plays late in the second quarter that the Tigers never recovered from.
After Colten Heagle blocked a Towson field goal that led to a Ryan Smith touchdown and 14-7 lead, the Bison defense jumped aboard the big-play wagon. On their ensuing possession, Towson managed to drive to NDSU’s 45. With a 1st-and-10, and less than three minutes left in the half, the Tigers looked for their own big play. Instead, quarterback Peter Athens was picked off by C.J. Smith at NDSU’s 25-yard line. Smith, then a sophomore, weaved his way through would-be tacklers for 32 yards before being corralled at the Towson 43-yard line.
The mistake proved costly. Jensen completed two passes, including a third-down conversion to Vaadeland to put the Bison in scoring position, before delivering a 12-yard strike to Zach Vraa, giving NDSU a commanding 21-7 lead with a minute left in the first half. A back-and-forth contest turned into a blowout. “It totally swung the momentum in our favor,” said senior nose guard Ryan Drevlow, describing the sequence of plays. “I mean, there was a 10-point swing right there after we blocked the field goal, and then to get out there right away and get that interception and then get that 14-point lead was huge. It got the ball rolling our way and it sprung us.”
No. 12 - The Emanuel-Slam
Several big defensive plays at critical junctures, including a clutch fourth-down stop towards the latter part of the third quarter, was the difference in North Dakota State’s title defense against Sam Houston State in 2012. With under five minutes left in the third quarter, although the Bison led 17-10, the Bearkats were driving towards what would have been the game-tying touchdown. The NDSU defense tightened up, ultimately forcing SHSU into a 4th-and-1 from NDSU’s 35. Brian Bell, the Bearkats quarterback, rolled to his left and had future Buck Buchanan Award winner Kyle Emanuel staring down his face.
Forced to hurry his pass, Emanuel picked up Bell and drove him hard into the field at Toyota Stadium. Bell’s pass fell harmlessly incomplete and NDSU had the ball back. ESPN’s cameras showed Bell crumpled up, lying flat on his back, with a look of anguish after the Emanuel-slam. Two plays later, Jensen found Vraa for a 31-yard completion to SHSU’s 11-yard line. The drive culminated with a Sam Ojuri touchdown run that gave the Bison a two-touchdown lead that proved insurmountable for the Bearkats.
No. 11 - Heagle Blocks Towson Field Goal
The first of several special teams plays makes its way onto the list at No. 11. With the sun shining on a beautiful Texas day, the Bison were attempting a perfect season and three-peat against Towson. The teams were tied 7-7 with just over five minutes remaining in the first half when the Tigers lined up for a 41-yard field goal attempt that would have given them a 10-7 lead. Enter Colten Heagle. Timing the snap perfectly, Heagle sliced through a gap on the left side of the Towson line and smothered the kick.
The ball deflected nearly 10 yards away from the holder where it was scooped up by Emanuel, who was off to the races, returning the ball all the way to Towson’s 5-yard line. The next play, Smith, going in motion from left to right in the slot position, took a handoff from Jensen and finished what the Bison special teams started. Smith’s touchdown gave NDSU a 14-7 lead, with under five minutes left in the second quarter. It was the closest the Tigers got to scoring for the rest of the day as the Bison notched the trifecta with a 35-7 win.
“I thought it was huge,” said linebacker Carlton Littlejohn about the blocked field goal that swung the game’s momentum. “We knew in the midst of this game someone would have to make a play, and for them to make those plays was just great for us, great for the whole team. It got the offense going and gave the defense more confidence.” The ensuing Towson possession, Smith intercepted Athens, which led to another Bison score and a 21-7 halftime lead.
No. 10 - A Bizarre Two-Point Conversion
It was a moment where Sam Houston State knew it just wasn’t their day. Several plays after the Emanuel-slam, NDSU scored on Ojuri’s two-yard touchdown run, putting the Bison up 23-10. On the extra-point attempt, though, the snap was botched. Adam Keller, NDSU’s kicker, picked up the ball and ran for his life in what looked like a busted play. With his back mostly facing the end zone, Keller tossed a desperation heave, grenade-style, towards the back of the end zone.
Going up like a basketball player for a rebound, Bison defensive end Mike Hardie, who also played special teams, came down with the football and the two-point conversion. “Sometimes there’s plays that happen in the game when you think, ‘You know what, this is probably going to be our day,’” said then-Bison head coach Craig Bohl. “A play that we had never planned or designed turned out to work extremely well.”
No. 9 – Return of the Wentz
The big storyline headed into 2015 national championship against Jacksonville State was who would start at quarterback for NDSU. Carson Wentz had been sidelined with a wrist injury since October. In Wentz’s absence, freshman Easton Stick led the Bison to an 8 – 0 record and three playoff wins against Montana, Northern Iowa, and Richmond. Wentz, who would be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 2 pick in that year’s NFL Draft, got the nod and showed little signs of rust. The Bismarck, ND, native completed 16-of-29 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for another 79 yards and two scores in his first action in over two months in being named the game's MVP.
“The rust people might have wanted to talk about it, that didn’t show. I was fired up all day to be out there. It was just a lot of fun,” said Wentz. Klieman knew Wentz would be ready. “I didn’t question it at all. I know what kind of competitor he is. I know what kind of player he is.” After going ahead 10 – 0, Bison linebacker Nick DeLuca made a diving interception to give NDSU the ball back at JSU’s 28. The Bison capitalized on Wentz’s memorable 11-yard touchdown where he left his feet around the 2-yard line and dove for the end zone, his entire body parallel to the ground. Wentz’s touchdown gave the Bison a 17-0 lead and the party was on. “I can’t put it into words. It’s remarkable what these guys have done. We meet every January and talk about staying hungry,” said Klieman.
No. 8 – Shepherd's Home Run Ball
It was the champs versus the challengers. Or, depending on how you look at it, vice versa. James Madison ended North Dakota State’s run of five straight national championships by beating the Bison a year earlier in the 2016 semifinals at the Fargodome. The two powerhouses met in Frisco before a rocking, standing room only crowd at Toyota Stadium. It was a defensive battle where one big play could, and ultimately did, make the difference.
Nearing halftime, the Bison led 7 – 3, but faced a 3rd-and-17 from midfield, with four minutes and change left in the half. Enter one of the best receivers in program history, Darrius Shepherd. In a career of big receptions, this may have been his biggest to date. Stick uncorked a home run ball down the left sideline as Shepherd split the corner and safety, hauling in the ball at JMU’s 16-yard line. Shepherd sprinted in from there for a 50-yard touchdown and 14-3 lead. “It's hard to put into words, but this culture is amazing, the fans, the coaches, the players ... it's so special," said Shepherd. “It's so amazing to be a part of this program. It's the best thing I've been a part of.” The Bison beat the Dukes 17 – 13 for their sixth national championship in seven years.
No. 7 – Thorton Preserves the Dakota Dynasty
In one of the best FCS championship games ever played, the Bison faced Missouri Valley Football Conference foe Illinois State. The teams did not play during the regular season, and tied for the MVFC title with identical 7-1 conference marks. The game was billed as a contest to determine the “one true champion” of the MVFC. It lived up to the hype. The fourth quarter saw several late lead changes before a Carson Wentz touchdown run gave the Bison a 29-27 lead with 37 seconds left standing between NDSU and their fourth straight national championship.
The 12th national championship in school history was very much undecided as Redbirds quarterback Tre Roberson had, only moments earlier, rushed untouched through the Bison defense for a 58-yard touchdown and 27-23 lead. Starting at the ISU 27, Roberson led the Redbirds to their own 44-yard line with 13 seconds left on the clock. The NDSU defense wasn’t about to let Roberson beat them twice. Dropping back to pass from the left hash mark, Roberson looked towards midfield for his tight end, Joe Farmer. Roberson threw a dart. Somehow, Esley Thorton was able to pry the ball away from Farmer for an interception that sealed the four-peat. Thorton began his career at NDSU as a quarterback before moving to linebacker prior to his junior season.
“With our guys, you never saw any doubt in their mind,” said first-year Bison head coach Chris Klieman. Klieman served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator on the previous three national title teams. “You never saw panic in their eyes. We’ve obviously been in this situation before, even in the playoffs, and our guys just know that, hey, it’s our time. When you have the success that we’ve had over the past four years now, guys just know how to win, and when you know how to win, you just always feel you have that chance if you can get that last possession.”
No. 6 – Urzendowski sets up game winner with three big catches
Only seconds before Esley Thorton’s interception, it looked like NDSU’s quest for a fourth straight national championships was in serious jeopardy. The Bison had no room for error after Roberson’s 58-yard run put Illinois State ahead 27-23 with 1:38 left in an epic title matchup. Outside of Travis Beck, no freshman has shined brighter on the championship stage than wide receiver R.J. Urzendowski. The Bison started the game-winning drive backed up at their own 17-yard line, needing 83 yards and a touchdown.
No problem. On the first play, Urzendowski found separation from his defender streaking across the middle of the field and Wentz tattooed him in stride with a bullet good for 32 yards to the NDSU 49. Suddenly, the Bison were back in business. The very next play, Wentz again went to Urzendowski for another first down, this time a 13-yard pickup to Illinois State’s 38-yard line. After two incomplete passes, NDSU faced a must have 3rd-and-10.
The Redbirds brought a safety blitz, leaving Urzendowski with man coverage. John Crockett picked up a key block and Wentz had just enough time to find Urzendowski down the left sideline on a vertical route for a huge 33-yard gain to the ISU 5. “We’ve got a lot of weapons, but obviously when they were blitzing us, we had RJ in slot and we thought we had a really good matchup,” Klieman said. Wentz, the NFL quarterback prospect, trusted the freshman to make a play. “Carson threw it up there, and RJ made some plays.”
While the Bison needed a final five yards to finish their drive, Urzendowski’s three catches for 78 yards put NDSU in position for what would come next.
No. 5 – The Epic Stand
It came down to one big defensive stand for the 2017 national championship. The Bison had a chance to extend their 17-13 lead to a full touchdown with a field goal in the closing minutes of their heavyweight bout against James Madison. Instead, the Dukes blocked the field goal try and gained the momentum. Several plays after that big special teams play, facing a 4th-and-9 from their own 47-yard line, the Dukes tried a fake punt. It worked as Harry O’Kelly ran for 24 yards to the NDSU 29.
The Bison defensive stiffened with the game in the balance. Two big stops by the future Baltimore Raven, Chris Board, and an incomplete pass on a Derrek Tuszka hurry set up a 4th-and-11 from NDSU’s 25. With Jabril Cox barreling down on him, Dukes quarterback Brian Schor threw a desperation heave high into the air towards the goal line as everyone in the stadium held its collective breath as a championship hung in the balance. A host of players jumped into the air, but it was Tre Dempsey that got a hand on the ball and knocked it down. The defensive stand preserved the Bison lead, but it would take a few more plays from the NDSU offense to clinch the championship.
No. 4 – The Best Minus-27 Yard Run In NDSU History
After the epic defensive stand against James Madison, the Bison took over with 58 seconds between them and another championship. The Dukes burned their final two time outs and the stage was set. With only four seconds left in the game, on a fourth down from his own 34-yard line, Easton Stick lined up under center. Taking the snap, Stick sprinted backwards until seeing the clock hit 0:00, then started the celebration by sliding down to the turf and launching the ball in celebration towards the heavens.
“He and I went back and forth on what to do with that four seconds," said Klieman of the game’s final play and Stick. "He just said 'Coach, don't worry, there will be no time left on the clock. Trust me: There will be no time left on the clock.’” Stick was right. There wasn’t any time left on the clock and NDSU was champions once again.
No. 3 – The Fake Punt
Arguably, no other play changed the momentum of a national championship like the fake punt early in the third quarter of NDSU’s first FCS title game against Sam Houston State. The Bison trailed 6-3 at halftime in a defensive struggle. Heading into the opening drive of the second half, the Bison had not picked up a first down in their previous four possessions. Taking the ball to start the half, it was more of the same, as NDSU couldn't move the ball, looking at another three-and-out. With a fourth down at their own 34-yard line, NDSU called for the fake and executed it to perfection.
Former running back turned punter Matt Voigtlander took the snap and took off sprinting through a wide-open lane on the left side of the line for 27 yards to the SHSU 39. “It was a momentum changer,” said Bearkats head coach Willie Fritz. “We’re not a team that’s used to playing from behind.” Fritz was referencing the next play after the fake punt where D.J. McNorton took a Brock Jensen screen pass 39 yards to pay dirt for NDSU’s first touchdown in an FCS title game, giving the Bison a 10-6 lead.
No. 2 - Beck's Interception
Before Esley Thorton’s interception, there was another memorable interception that propelled NDSU to a national championship. Travis Beck emerged onto the scene in 2011 and would ultimately become one of the greatest ever to play linebacker for NDSU. A native son of North Dakota, Beck cemented his place in Bison football history with nine minutes and change left in NDSU’s first FCS title game against Sam Houston State. The Bison clung to a razor-thin 10-6 lead as the Bearkats marched into NDSU territory. On a 3rd-and-13 from NDSU’s 48, Bell dropped back to pass. Beck slipped back into coverage and picked off Bell’s pass at NDSU’s 36 and sprinted down the right sideline.
With the stadium in a frenzy and a caravan of players trying to catch him, Beck launched himself towards the end zone pylon, but was ruled out of bounds one yard short of the end zone. The next play, Jensen’s quarterback sneak gave NDSU the decisive touchdown as the Bison would go on to win their first FCS championship 17-6. “It hit me right in the chest,” said Beck. “I said, ‘I better catch this one.’ I did what I could, but I couldn’t get in. Luckily, the offense finished it off.” Beck was named the game’s MVP for one of the biggest plays in school history.
No. 1 – Touchdown Wentz!
Among the Bison faithful, there was little doubt who would get the ball with NDSU needing five yards for the game-winning score against Illinois State. Starting at their own 17-yard line, trailing 27-23 and needing 83 yards, like they had done so many times before, the Bison started a drive that would go down as one of the most iconic in school history, right up there with "
The Drive
" against Kansas State. The Wentz to Urzendowski combination connected for the first 78 of the 83 yards NDSU needed through the air. The ground game and Wentz would bring the Bison home.
“When we lined up in the formation, upstairs, Tim (Polasek, the team’s offensive coordinator) says, ‘Guys, it’s a touchdown. We got the look we want. It’s a touchdown,’” explained Klieman of Wentz’s game-winner. Wentz found daylight, slashing through the left side of the NDSU line, evading Redbird defenders, before tumbling into the end zone, sending Toyota Stadium into pandemonium. "I think we just saw on that drive what the heart of a champion looks like," said ESPN announcer Kelly Stouffer.
I hope you've enjoyed these Top Frisco Moments. Let us know what you think, and what plays you remember from six unforgettable trips to the FCS Championship. Be sure to listen to The Fan and KFGO's all day coverage Friday January 4 from Frisco at
Wild Pitch Sports Bar and Grill
. For more great Bison content, check out the
Bison Illustrated Podcas
where we preview NDSU's game against EWU.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
By -
Joshua A. Swanson
After a few weeks of waiting, we've finally arrived at Frisco week! North Dakota State is all hands on deck, the healthiest they've ever been going into a national championship. NDSU prepares for an Eastern Washington team looking to jolt the college football world and end NDSU's perfect season. This year's Bison look to join the ranks of other undefeated Bison teams, including the '65, '68, '69, '86, '88, '90, and '13 squads. Standing in their way are the upstart Eagles who, after a couple failed semifinal attempts, are back in Frisco for the first time since winning it all in 2010. And yes, Eagles, your title that year has an asterisk beside it, at least in Fargo and Bison Nation, because it was NOT a fumble.
It's a compelling matchup, the battle tested Bison led by Walter Payton finalist Easton Stick versus an EWU team led by sophomore Eric Barriere. How will the felony arrest of Big Sky defensive player of the year, Jay-Tee Tiuli, impact the Eagles? Does the "winter camp," the three-week interim between the semifinals and championship, favor the Bison after they've mastered that routine in the last eight years? You've got questions, we've got answers. Swany is joined by Chase Miller to talk about the storylines headed into the week as NDSU targets the program's 15th national championship, and an FCS record 7th title.
Start your Frisco week right, and ring in 2019, with your pals on Herd It Hear With Swany!
** For more great Bison content to get you ready for Frisco, check out this week's
Bison Illustrated Podcast
as the guys expound on the big things to watch as the two best programs in the FCS compete for a national championship!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
While chestnuts are roasting by the open fire, it's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Bison fans as we enjoy the magical period between the semifinals and championship in Frisco. All year long, we've been telling you to
enjoy the ride because this North Dakota State team is historically good
. Just how good is this NDSU team? Well, the numbers say they're every bit as good --- if not better --- than the 2013 Bison team that is widely regarded as the best team in FCS history. Swany is joined by the FCS Face the Nation round table of Chase Miller and
Nolan P. Schmidt
. The panel discusses how the 2018 team stacks up against their 2013 counterparts.
Swany goes through the numbers, and, as they say, the numbers don't lie. These two all-time great teams turned in nearly identical performance in every statistical category. From points scored, points allowed, sacks, red zone offense, to third-down conversion, they're separated by the narrowest of margins. Both teams were filled with all-conference and All-American performers, had strong senior leadership, and were piloted by two of the best quarterbacks in FCS history in Brock Jensen and Easton Stick. If you like Bison history, you'll love this discussion.
Swany wraps the Christmas episode with a special message to Bison Nation that you won't want to miss.
** For more great Bison content, be sure to check out the
Bison Illustrated Podcast
! This week, the guys share your favorite parts about Frisco, the hiring of Matt Entz as NDSU's next head football coach, and, of course, more on NDSU's 44-21 thumping of rival South Dakota State in the FCS semifinals.
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Once again, the Bison are headed back to Frisco, Texas for the FCS National Championship game. In one of the most anticipated games in North Dakota State history, the Herd dominated rival South Dakota State 44-21 to earn their seventh trip to the national title game in eight years, ending SDSU's season in the process. The Herd was led by senior quarterback Easton Stick, who turned in one of the best big-game performances ever by a Bison when it mattered most. Stick rushed for 147 yards and three TDs, and connected on 12-of-15 passes for another 169 yards and a TD. The Jacks had no answer for a dominating Bison offense and the Walter Payton finalist and 1st-team AP All-American. The Herd piled up 608 total yards and held a 35:00 to 25:00 minute time of possession advantage.
Swany is joined by the FCS Face the Nation round table of Chase Miller and Nolan P. Schmidt from
Bison Illustrated
to recap Chris Klieman's final game at the Dome as head coach, the transition to NDSU's next head coach, Matt Entz, and what it means to get back to Frisco. In an emotional week for the Bison, NDSU put to rest any talk of distractions caused by the coaching change. NDSU awaits the winner of Eastern Washington and Maine in their quest to finish an undefeated 15 - 0, and become one of the best teams in FCS history.
The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas, this week, on Herd It Hear With Swany.
** For more great audio content with Swany, check out the
Bison Illustrated Podcast!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
It's the annual early morning quarterfinal kickoff as the Bison take on Toothpaste U from upstate New York. All kidding aside, Colgate brings the FCS's top-ranked defense to the Fargodome to face a North Dakota State team hitting on all cylinders. Fresh off a 52-10 thumping of Montana State, NDSU's focus remains singular -- Frisco, Texas. Can the Patriot League champs keep up with a physically dominant, hungry Bison team looking to continue their undefeated season and championship drive?
Swany Says
that NDSU has another big, big day, as the visiting Raiders will find themselves over-matched and out-gunned.
On the FCS Face The Nation round table, Swany is joined by The Fan's Chase Miller, and Nolan P. Schmidt, editor of
Bison Illustrated
, to discuss the rumors swirling around NDSU's coaching situation. It's the hottest topic in BisoNation this week. Will Chris Klieman be the next head coach for former Bison athletic director Gene Taylor at Kansas State. If Klieman takes the KSU job, who should NDSU tap as its next head coach? Swany goes through the names you've been talking about all week. The guys discuss the four quarterfinal contests this weekend, including Maine taking down No. 2 Weber State in Utah last night. Ring in some holiday football cheer with your pals on Herd It Hear With Swany.
** Check out the Bison Illustrated Podcast for more high octane takes on Bison Football and the NDSU's coaching situation
here
.
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
All year long, we've talked about the Road to Frisco and North Dakota State chasing perfection. This is a
special Bison football team
. Make no mistake, the Herd is looking to dominate from the opening kickoff all the way to Toyota Stadium. It starts with a second-round contest against the Montana State Bobcats.
The Bobcats are led by rushing QB, Troy Anderson. The Code Green Defense, featuring All-Americans Jabril Cox and Robbie Grimsley, will make yards tough to come by. Few know the Bison and Bobcats as well as Colton Pool, the MSU beat writer for the Bozeman Chronicle. Pool is an NDSU graduate who covered the Bison for The Spectrum and West Fargo Pioneer. He joins Swany to preview the game. Pool says while Anderson is a dynamic player, he doesn't see NDSU's defense giving up much.
On the FCS Face the Nation roundtable, Chase Miller and Nolan P. Schmidt hypothesize that it's going to take lots of mistakes and self-inflicted wounds for the Bobcats to keep up with the Herd. Swany says the Bison will come out on fire and put the pedal to the proverbial metal. The guys go through the rest of the Sweet 16 and tell you how weather will have a big, big snowy wet impact in South Dakota State and James Madison's showdowns.
Start your playoff run with your pals at Herd It Hear With Swany!
To hear more great Bison content, and for a deeper dive into the FCS Playoffs, check out the
Bison Illustrated Podcast
hosted by Swany!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
The FCS Playoffs start today, featuring "The Bracket of Doom" with the four best teams in the country on the same side of the bracket. You want controversy? We've got it. The Committee's decision to put North Dakota State, South Dakota State, James Madison, and Kennesaw State on the same side of the bracket has folks from sea to shining sea -- outside of Eastern Washington and Weber State -- asking what was the NCAA thinking.
Swany is joined by Nolan P. Schmidt of the
Bison Illustrated
and Chase Miller to ask the hard questions and tell you who ends up in Frisco, Texas on January 5. The guys discuss the aftermath of Selection Sunday, the Top 8 seeds, what made sense, and what didn't. Miller says the Selection Committee more or less got it right, while Swany and Nolan say this bracket is a travesty of football justice. Zeroing in from a big picture perspective, the distinguished panel goes through each of the four 6-team pods and discuss who has a realistic shot to play for a national championship. Do the Bison win their seventh national championship in eight years? Find out, this week, on a special edition of Herd It Hear With Swany.
** For more reaction and analysis of the FCS Playoff Field, check out the Bison Illustrated Podcast's FCS Playoff Special hosted by Swany
here
.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
By - Joshua A. Swanson
It's a Thanksgiving cornucopia of goodness as North Dakota State looks to clinch an undefeated regular season and the top overall seed in the FCS playoffs. But not so fast,
controversy and debate
lurk in the shadows! On the eve of the FCS Playoff Selection show, fans from Fargo to Brookings, and from Harrisonburg to Kennesaw, debate where the committee will place their teams on the Road to Frisco.
Does the committee pair the top two Missouri Valley Football Conference teams, NDSU and South Dakota State, on the same side of the bracket? Do they do the same thing to Eastern Washington and Weber State? Is Kennesaw State deserving of a Top 4 seed? Questions, questions, and questions! Could James Madison be coming to Fargo for a heavyweight quarterfinal matchup with the Bison, and will the Bison see the University of North Dakota in a second round contest? Swany is joined by Nolan P. Schmidt and Chase Miller for the FCS Face the Nation roundtable to provide you with answers! Swany and Nolan say the committee splits up NDSU and SDSU. Chase says nope, SDSU gets the No. 4 seed and a potential semifinal with the Bison.
Swany addresses speculation about Kansas State being in the market for a new football coach, and why Bison head coach Chris Klieman makes sense for that job. Gene Taylor, the former legendary and iconic NDSU athletic director, is now the AD at Kansas State. Swany Says if the Kansas State job comes open, the Bison will be in the market for a new head coach.
Put a few logs on the fire, pour a warm beverage, and kickback with your old pals, this week, on Herd It Hear With Swany.
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By -
Joshua A. Swanson
North Dakota State (9-0, 6-0) travels to the Show Me State looking to secure an outright Missouri Valley Football Conference championship against the reeling Missouri State Bears (4-5, 2-4). With a win, the Bison likely lockup the top overall seed in the FCS playoffs, which guarantees that the Road to Frisco yet again goes through Fargo.
Swany is joined by
Sam Herder
, from
Hero Sports
, to discuss the emerging
FCS playoff picture
. The playoff bracket will be announced next Sunday morning, November 18, at 11:30 on ESPNU. We've got the key questions covered: who could be on NDSU's side of the bracket, where will those dastardly SDSU Jackrabbits be placed, will James Madison really be playing in the first round, and what teams have a shot at Frisco?
The high octane and wonky analysis continues as the FCS Face The Nation roundtable with Nolan P. Schmidt, of the
Bison Illustrated Podcast
, and Chase Miller, preview NDSU's game against the Bears. The panel discuss, as only they can, the big headlines to know heading into this weekend -- like how will the Bison respond after last week's sluggish offensive performance against Youngstown State. And, just for fun, because it really is the most wonderful time of the year, Swany croons some Christmas tunes by doing his best Andy Williams impression. Be educated, be entertained, and get in the festive spirit to start your weekend with Herd it Hear with Swany!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Oh, brother! For the first time in radio history, the Swany brothers have a live debate about whether it's cool for North Dakota State fans to debate the question of: "
what Bison team is the best one ever
." Two of the biggest Bison fans in all of the land deliver 30 minutes of insightful, yet highly entertaining, audio gold. After listening, you'll see why one of the major networks or Netflix should give them their own show.
The Swany Bros, along with the FCS Face the Nation roundtable of
Nolan P. Schmidt
and Chase Miller, discuss the march to Frisco as NDSU faces a struggling Youngstown State team led by the fiery Bo Pelini. The Penguins waddle into Fargo with a 2-3 record in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and with a 3-5 overall mark, with nothing to play for but pride. The Bison, on the other hand, are dominating the FCS this fall, beating opponents by an average of 27.5 points per game.
Easton Stick leads an explosive Bison offense that's averaging over 40 points per game, while the steely Cold Green defense is keeping opponents to shy of 13 points each contest. The seeds for this great 2018 team were planted in Chris Klieman's first days as head coach in December 2013. After former coach Craig Bohl and the bulk of his staff left for the mountains of Wyoming, Klieman, along with Nick Goeser and Conor Riley, had to keep together a recruiting class looking at a coaching change. It's appropriate that it's the Harvest Bowl at NDSU as the Bison are reaping that harvest of what Klieman, Goeser, and Riley sewed five years ago. Those recruits are now seniors and have us asking the question, just how good is this Bison team.
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
North Dakota State has dominated opponents this season. The Bison look to continue that dominance and their march towards Frisco against those Wile E Coyotes from South Dakota. The Bison are strong favorites, so expect USD's potent offense to throw all of its Acme rockets at the Herd. The NDSU rushing attack should have a big day, says your old pal Swany, with the Bison offensive front having a favorable matchup with the 'Yotes defense that is one of the worst rushing defenses in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Swany is joined by the pride of McHenry County, North Dakota, Tanner Volson, the senior starting center for the rams. The Bison are all business as the laser-like focus of this year's squad reminds Swany of another really, really good NDSU team that, eh hem, finished undefeated. Is that talk premature? During the FCS Face the Nation round table, Swany and Chase Miller broach the subject and address the question head on. The guys also look at several pivotal games around the FCS with major playoff and seeding implications, including South Dakota State at Illinois State, Weber State at North Dakota, and Stony Brook at James Madison.
It's a cornucopia of football goodness, and the perfect audio to get you amped up for another excellent weekend of Bison Football. So tune in, turn it up, and fly the skies of audio awesomeness with Herd It Hear with Swany!
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By - Joshua A.Swanson
After a two-game hiatus, North Dakota State is back at the friendly confines of the Fargodome against Illinois State, one of the designated "it" teams by the FCS media. Is the hype overblown, or are the Redbirds poised for a breakthrough win against the Bison?
Swany Says
with no victories against a team with a winning record, Illinois State has jumped out to its 5-1 record on the back of a schedule softer than jello (that includes a NAIA team).
Jalen Allison, another in the long line of stalwarts and shutdown cornerbacks for NDSU, joins the program to talk about Code Green's strong performance this season. The Bison have turned 14 turnovers into 66 points, including another defensive touchdown last weekend at Western Illinois. The Bison see another stud offensive player in Redbirds running back James Robinson today. If the Herd can contain Robinson, it should be a big day for the good guys.
The popular FCS Face The Nation round table talks about the state of the FCS and ever-emerging playoff picture. A win today goes a long ways in deciding the Missouri Valley Football Conference race. Nolan P. Schmidt, editor of
Bison Illustrated
, and Chase Miller from 740AM The Fan, chime in with their unique FCS game-breaking analysis that you can only get here. Do they agree with the FCS talking heads that the Bison are ripe for an upset? Their answers may surprise you. Or they may not. Kickoff your Bison weekend with America's favorite lawyer turned weekly radio host, your old buddy Swany, on Herd It Hear With Swany!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Ain't nothing sexy about playing in cold weather and rain, but man alive, it's football weather, brother! North Dakota State brings its punishing grinder of a rushing attack to the plains of Western Illinois for a pivotal Missouri Valley Football Conference showdown against the Leathernecks. Your good buddy Swany is joined by Bison senior running back, play-maker, and All-American Bruce Anderson, to talk shop on the NDSU philosophy of grounding teams into the turf.
The
FCS Face the Nation
round table of Swany, Nolan P. Schmidt, and Chase Miller give their cutting edge analysis of a make or break weekend in the FCS. Oh, the questions! Can James Madison, Weber State, and Montana rebound from unexpected losses to Elon, Northern Arizona, and Portland State? Will South Dakota State show it deserves the No. 2 national ranking against Bo Pelini's disgruntled Youngstown State Penguins. And does North Dakota notch a big one against the same Montana team looking for a big bounce back. Nothing comes easy in the FCS during these dogs days of the fall where seeds are made and playoff dreams crushed! Live the FCS dream, with Herd It Hear With Swany!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Another week, another Herculean matchup stares the Bison down from the Olympus they call the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. The Bison and Panthers both look to continue their opening week Missouri Valley Football Conference success. The key for each team? Slaying a salty opposing defense. Swany is joined by NDSU senior strong safety and team captain Robbie Grimsley to recap the Dakota Marker victory and preview the dastardly cat-like foe prowling in the shadows of north Iowa cornfields. Grimsley says the veteran Bison know they have to play well to return with a win.
Swany goes Meet The Press & Face The Nation for a high-brow roundtable discussion with trusted talking heads
Nolan P. Schmidt
and Chase Miller. The brain trust analyzes a Bison team that's starting to take shape as we dive deeper into Missouri Valley play. The guys talk about NDSU's passing attack, a rejuvenated punting game -- that's right, punting and field position will be crucial today -- and a running game looking to hit the ground running on the road.
Take the advice of Ma & Pa Swany and start your BISON weekend with your good pal Swany right here, on Herd It Hear!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
The Bison. The Jacks. The rivalry has taken a turn down intensity boulevard since the teams moved to Division I. North Dakota State has won six of the last seven national championships, and seven straight Missouri Valley Football Conference titles, while South Dakota State has been forced to watch the Bison success from down I-29. It's made for some slobberknocker, heavy weight bouts, and today will be no different as the teams battle for the Dakota Marker.
Dan Marlette, senior Bison linebacker from Sioux Falls, SD, joins the show to talk about how important it is to start conference play with a win, and what the Dakota Marker game means to the team.
Swany, Nolan P. Schmidt, and Chase Miller have a round table discussion telling you the keys to the game for each team.
-
Easton Stick v. Taryn Christion, two of the best QBs in the FCS, go head to head.
-
What defensive front will be able to pressure the other team's QB.
-
Turnovers, momentum swings, and big plays always loom larger in rivalry games. Which team can capitalize and the Big Mo.
Kick up your feet, crack a can of Joose, and get ready for the Game of the Week in FCS Football, the Battle for the Dakota Marker, on Herd it Hear with Swany!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
It's power on power as North Dakota State faces Delaware, a former FCS power themselves looking to return to glory against the Kings of the FCS. Swany is joined by Bison linebacker Jabril Cox and NDSU defensive coordinator, Matt Entz, to talk about how the Herd plans to bag the Blue Hens. Speculation swirls in the autumn winds this Homecoming with rumors of ESPN's landmark show, College GameDay, making a return trip to Fargo next week for the Dakota Marker showdown between the Bison and Jacks. But first things first, the Bison have to get by their toughest challenge of the young season against an experienced opponent looking to make their own statement.
Nolan P. Schmidt and Chase Miller stop by to preview headlines and the keys for a Bison win.
Start your Homecoming Saturday the way the other cool kids do, with Herd It Hear With Swany. The podcast is free, but the hot ham and cheese sandwiches are extra!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
The glory will rain precipitously from the heavens for North Dakota State in today's nonconference showdown with upstart North Alabama. Swany is joined by Bison defensive tackles coach Nick Goeser, who details how critical it will be for the defensive front to contain the Lions dual threat quarterback, Christian Lopez. Luke Bacon, the senior starting guard for the Herd, is fresh off his bye-week hauling bails and working on the family farm back in Granville, North Dakota. Bacon explains how important it is for the rams to communicate before, during, and after each play. The show rounds out with Nolan Schmidt, the editor of
Bison Illustrated
, previewing the keys to the matchup , and Chase Miller and Swany taking a lap around the FCS and making their game predictions. It's all here, this week, on Herd it Hear with Swany!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
North Alabama is in its first year of Division I football. So far, the going’s been good. The Lions upset defending Big Sky co-champion Southern Utah 34 – 30 in the season opener, and hung on for another win last weekend against rival Alabama A&M, 25 – 20. The Lions are not lacking in confidence in anticipation of their trip to the Fargodome this weekend. For what it’s worth, the Bison are 36.5 point favorites after their bye week.
UNA is led by junior JUCO transfer quarterback Christian Lopez. The 6’1”, 200 pound Lopez is a dual threat QB that exploded in the season opener against the Thunderbirds for 350 yards passing, 3 passing TDs, while adding another 105 yards on the ground to go along with a rushing TD. At his Monday press conference, North Dakota State head coach Chris Klieman noted that SUU had trouble lining up on defense and accounting for Lopez, who was making his first start for the Lions. Taking nothing away from the Lions win, SUU may have been surprised by the up-tempo nature of UNA’s offense having not seen Lopez on film in their system. The Bison can sympathize with SUU in that regard. The Herd faced a similar challenge in the 2015 season opener at Montana where the Grizzlies had a new head coach and offensive scheme, beating the Herd in Missoula. The playoffs, though, were another story. NDSU “adjusted” to the new look Griz and blew their doors off 37 – 6.
Swany’s Notes from Coach Klieman’s presser:
1.Christian Watson, the redshirt freshman wide receiver from Tampa, Fla., wearing the No. 1 jersey, will likely make his Bison debut. After sitting out the opener with an injury, Klieman said Watson practiced last week. Watson is 6’3”, 193 pounds, and was on NDSU’s two-deep depth chart this week along with Desmond Cain.
2.The Bison spent a lot of time during the bye-week practices following the Cal Poly game working on their passing game, and doing a lot of 7-on-7 drills. It’s not because the Bison are concerned with the passing numbers in the opener. It’s because the Bison didn’t need to pass the ball against the Mustangs as they rushed for 458 yards, notched 7 rushing TDs, and averaged 10.2 yards per carry. Coach noted that whether the Bison go to the passing attack this week will be dictated by the flow of the game, but I expect some shots in the play-action passing game from Easton Stick driving the ball downfield.
3.On Lions QB Lopez, Coach described him as a dual threat guy that can beat you with his legs and arm. Lopez extended a lot of plays with his legs against SUU and when pressure came, was “elusive,” and has “moxy,” according to Coach.
4.The biggest series of the Cal Poly game was the second half defensive stand by the NDSU reserves after the Herd turned the ball over deep in their own territory. Coach praised the effort of defensive ends Spencer Waege, a redshirt freshman from South Shore, S.D., and Logan McCormick, from Appleton, Wisc. Even with an already deep defensive front, Coach said the Bison need to find a way to get those guys on the field they’re that good. Talk about champagne problems. All kidding aside, NDSU’s depth on the defensive, and offensive, fronts will be a big advantage against the Lions and other opponents during the weekly grind that is the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
5.Coach was excited for former Bison linebacker Chris Board, who, as an undrafted free agent, made the Baltimore Ravens 53-man regular season roster. The Ravens special teams coordinator/associate head coach, Jerry Rosburg, is a North Dakota State graduate and was an All-American for the Bison. Board had a tackle in the Ravens opening game win against Buffalo. Coach explained that it was Board’s body of work on special teams during his time with NDSU that helped him make the Ravens after a strong senior season at linebacker. Klieman said Board played his best football during last season’s FCS playoffs, where he made three or four critical plays in the championship game against James Madison that were the difference against the Dukes. Go back and watch JMU’s final offensive drive and NDSU’s defensive stand in the shadow of the end zone. Board knifed through blockers on a first down run to drop the Dukes running back for a loss, and on second down, blew up a swing pass to drop the JMU runner at the line of scrimmage.
Tune in this Saturday morning from 8:00 – 9:00 for Herd it Hear with Swany on 740AM The Fan and 107.3fm to kick-start your Bison Game Day!
You can check out last Saturday's show here
! Follow me on
Twitter @swany8
, and let me know what you think of NDSU’s match-up against UNA.
As always, remember, the Strength of the Herd is the Bison, and the Strength of the Bison, is the Herd!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
I got those bye-week blues! Those no good, ain't no Bison game on today, don't know what I'm gonna do blues ...
I hear you. A bye in Week 2 is as natural as a two-dollar bill or six legged elephant. No fear, friends. I've got you covered. We still had a show, and it's the perfect elixir to get you through the only Saturday between now and early January without Bison football (not counting a bye in the first round of the playoffs around Thanksgiving). Okay, maybe we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves, but you know what I mean.
On this week's show, I had a chance to visit with NDSU offensive line coach Conor Riley. His group, the "rams," paved the way for 458 rushing yards in a 49-3 route of Cal Poly. The "machines," a/k/a, our running backs, toted the rock for an average 10.2 yards per carry and scored 7 touchdowns! We asked Coach Riley about the offensive line, the depth at the group, and what the coaches are looking for headed into next week's game against North Alabama.
Nolan P. Schmidt, the editor-in-chief of Bison Illustrated, stopped by for his weekly cup of coffee and to relive a tough week in the Missouri Valley with Northern Iowa and Western Illinois both falling in Montana last week, and a HUGE game tonight in Brookings as the Jacks square off against Montana State. Chase Miller talks about NDSU's next opponent, North Alabama, and their dual threat QB, Christian Lopez, who had 456 total yards and 4 TDs in an upset win against defending Big Sky champ Southern Utah in Week 1.
Wash away those bye-week blues with a tall glass of Herd it Hear with Swany, and check out my
Bison Illustrated Podcast
with Nolan for more great content!
And, as always, remember, the
Strength of the Herd is the Bison, and the Strength of the Bison is the Herd
!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson
Last week, I announced the formation of the
SWAN-COMM
, a highly selective "intelligence" organization patterned on JFK's EX-COMM. The purpose of the group is to offer me key insights on what fans, a/k/a, BisoNation, are talking about with regards to the Herd. To borrow a line from the current POTUS, only "the best" find spots on the SWAN-COMM. They delivered in their Week 1 insight.
You can join the SWAN-COMM and chime in with your thoughts by hitting me on Twitter @swany8 or texting 35270 during the show on Saturday mornings from 8:00-9:00a. Earlier today, I joined Dan Michaels and Doug Leier on KFGO to give my recap of NDSU's Week 1 performance.
You can listen here
.
For Week 2, I asked the SWAN-COMM the following question: what impressed you most from North Dakota State's 49-3 demolition of Cal Poly at the Fargodome. Seven of them answered:
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The Music Man: "Dan Marlette was all over the field. Good size, good speed, sure tackler, and able to diagnose plays quickly."
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Mr. Tailgating: "I thought it was a great overall team performance, was a little concerned going into it about some of the rookies and sophomores getting out over their skis a bit. But I think the veterans and returning starters really helped them out and made it a great first tailgate. The football team played a very complete game as well."
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Tecmo Legend: "Agreed on the running game. We could run at will and just chew up huge chunks every time we wanted."
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The Rookie: "Offensive line and running game looked like they were playing game seven, gelled and dominated, might be the best rushing attack in school history."
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Old Ball Coach: "The defensive line ate up blocks and made plays. North Dakota native Stanley Jones probably played his best game as a Bison and they are full of playmakers at tackle and end."
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Bismarck Bison: "Offensive line was ridiculously strong. I thought Stick made some nice throws, too. We need someone to step-up and make those RJ [Urzendowski]-type catches across the middle and deep outs. ... I felt like we didn't really want to put any of our real good plays on film, a lot of bread and butter stuff."
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Stripes: "Offensive line. Bruce and Lance having days wasn't by accident."
As you can obviously see, I've assembled an excellent SWAN-COMM. You can join the committee and let me know what you think on Twitter @swany8, or text 35270 this Saturday morning from 8:00-9:00a. I'm interested in what you thought of NDSU's performance against Cal Poly. You can comment here, or let me know on Twitter @swany8.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everybody up for the kickoff, the march is on! Herd it Hear with Swany comes strong out of the gates talking North Dakota State Football, the expectations for this team, and what you can expect to see at the Fargodome today from the Herd!
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Swany
joined
Joel Heitkamp
on News & Views this morning to discuss the debut of his show, Herd It Hear with Swany, on 740AM and 107.3 fm this Saturday morning from 8:00-9:00a. The guys talk about Friday Night Lights, Saturday tailgating and the pageantry of college football, and North Dakota State's dynasty. The march is on!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
By - Joshua A. Swanson
In October 1962, the Russians placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, only 90 miles from the southeastern coast of the United States. The event, well-known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, was the hottest moment of the Cold War. For 13 days, the world sat on edge, and on the brink of nuclear disaster. As a proud history major and alum of North Dakota State, and certified PhD Bison homer, my brain often finds parallels and historical examples to draw lessons from.
After being burned by advisers during the Bay of Pigs incident, President John F. Kennedy learned his lesson. During this tense standoff with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, JFK formed a special committee called the "Executive Committee," or EXCOMM, to advise him during these momentous 13 days.
If it worked for JFK, it's good enough for me. I've assembled my own EXCOMM of sorts with eight of the most knowledgeable Bison fans that I know. This SWAN-COMM will act as a sounding board for this website and my show. That, friends, is listener interaction taken to a whole other level!
You can join the SWAN-COMM and chime in with your thoughts by hitting me up on Twitter @swany8 or texting 35270 during the show on Saturday mornings from 8:00-9:00a.
I asked the SWAN-COMM the following question getting ready for this week's season opener against Cal Poly --- what do you want to see from North Dakota State in this week's game, and what are the big stories that you're following. Six of them answered.
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The Music Man: "I'm excited to see Greg Menard and Jabril Cox play together and get after the quarterback as well as how we utilize the incredible talent we have in our backfield."
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Mr. Tailgating: "I'm looking forward to giving fans that don't normally get an opportunity to see a game my tickets. I'm going to tailgate like a champ, listen to the first half on the road, and the second half on the pontoon."
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Selling It: "Hoping to see our backup QBs in the second half if we get a big lead."
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Tecmo Legend: "What receiver(s) will step up and be a reliable target beyond Darrius (Shepherd)."
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The Rookie: "I'm pumped to see the new tight ends we redshirted last year - [Noah] Gindorff and [Josh] Babicz."
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Old Ball Coach: "How dominant will our front seven be on defense. Minimal rushing yards and can we get pressure with just four [defensive] rushers. Offensive side of the ball I want to see zero dumb penalties, and great pass protection. Not worried about running the ball but they need to keep it on the ground 55-60 percent of the time."
As you can obviously see, I've assembled an excellent SWAN-COMM. You can join the committee and let me know what you think on Twitter @swany8, or text 35270 this Saturday morning from 8:00-9:00a.
Is anyone else excited for Saturday?!
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By - Joshua A. Swanson - Herd It Hear With Swany
Once a Bison, Always a Bison. That means something. At North Dakota State, there's an old saying that we aren't like everybody else. There's something special about being a Bison. From the championship teams of the 1960s to today, it's part of our tradition of excellence. It's more important than any championship trophy or individual accolade. Former players, current players, coaches, staff, students and fans alike, we are ALL joined by a special bond.
It's the Strength of the Herd
. Being a Bison is part of who we all are, it's engrained into the very fabric of our lives.
This has an especially important meaning for those that have worn the green and yellow for NDSU. These guys belong to a special brotherhood. Jeff McKinnon was a linebacker for the Herd in the 1990s. On the field, he was fearless. Today, he finds himself in his toughest fight yet, this one against multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Jeff will WIN this fight -- but he needs our help, he needs the Herd. Jeff's teammates and the Bison Family have rallied around him, vowing that he won't go through this fight alone. They've set up the
Jeff McKinnon Benefit Fund
with Lend a Hand Up, and have a
silent auction on Facebook
to help our Bison brother. This fund, and the efforts of the Bison Family, are needed more than ever to help one of our own, a member of the Bison Family.
Recently, I interviewed Jason Boutwell, a former NDSU football player about what the Bison Family is doing for Jeff and his family. This is what the Strength of the Herd and Bison Pride are all about.
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