The second stop of the postseason will go down as one of the most memorable games since the move up. Given another 50 postseason games, we might get a second showdown that earns instant-classic status.
Might
As was stated off the top in the prediction, this was a semi-final in the second round. That already separated it from so many of the previous matchups. Thanks to the back-up big man it will go down as one of, if not the, most memorable non-championship playoff games in the D1 era.
The blocked extra point by Hunter Poncius is the play that will make highlight reels for years to come and be remembered above the rest but TaMerik Williams, Cam Miller & Jake Kava were the three stars of the day.
Miller was held in check better than he had been in any of the previous 12 games but when the result hung in the balance he was the one that scored the deciding touchdown.
Even less explanation is required for Williams & Kava as each imprinted themselves into the team's lore with a couple of the best performances in their extended stints playing the game.
In a review of the numbers, it makes very little sense that NDSU was able to keep the result in question for as long as they did. They barely won the rushing yards total, tallied 1/3 of the number of passing yards, didn't get any turnovers of consequence, had to punt seven times compared to just four for the home team and lost the sack total 4 - 2. In so many conceivable ways Montana State was the better team.
But of course that all leaves out the two missed field goals and the aforementioned defining play of the game. Those three plays were the difference between the second round exit and a return to Vermillion.
Talk about living on a razors edge!
Coincidentally it all went down in the Land of Gold & Silver which also touts itself as the Treasure State.
Well, it was NDSU that earned some treasured memories!
For the improbable outcome they earn a chance to show how far they've come since the end of September. In case you haven't kept track, it will be their 14th straight appearance in the quarterfinals. Think or say whatever you want about the dynasty being diminished and/or over but that is unquestionable consistency. Whatever happens in Yote land, the guys have made good on the journey and the season as a whole will be remembered much more favorably as a result!