The Harvest Bowl: A Bison Stampede Over the Bears
Well, folks, if you blinked during the Bison’s game against Missouri State, you might’ve missed more action than a thrilling rom-com in a single weekend! North Dakota State, the top-ranked powerhouse, didn’t just trot out of the gate — they sprinted, danced, and did a little cha-cha all the way to a resounding 59-21 victory in their 2024 Harvest Bowl showdown.
Early Dominance: Bison Charge Ahead
Right from the start, the Bison rushed out like they were late for a buffet dinner, scoring on their first four possessions. I mean, if the Bears were hoping to start strong, they’d need a GPS to find their way onto the scoreboard. The final tally of 21 points from Missouri State looked more like an afterthought at a family dinner — perhaps dessert when the main course was already devoured.
Standout Performers
North Dakota State’s skills shone brighter than a new pair of shoes fresh out of the box. Barika Kpeenu dashed through the opposition’s defense with 169 yards and two touchdowns, while CharMar Brown joined the party with 113 yards and another score. To put it mildly, those two were playing a different sport than their opposition! They must have thought they were in a game of tag instead of football.
Quarterback Cam Miller demonstrated that he wasn’t just good as a game manager, completing 17 of 24 passes for 155 yards and an impressive four touchdowns. Talk about a Tuesday night book club where you finish the book before getting to the second chapter!
Stats That Speak Volumes
Now, if you’re more into statistics than a physics professor at a mathlete’s convention, here’s some food for thought: NDSU outgained Missouri State a whopping 575 to 382 in total yards. Yes, you read that right! They wielded numbers like a knight swinging a sword at a dragon.
A Glorious Future for the Bison
The victory ensures that the Bison clinched at least a share of their 11th league title. Next up? A showdown with South Dakota that could give them the title outright. And as for Missouri State? They better pack a lunch because they’re heading to Conference USA, and let’s face it, they’ll need all the help they can get. Maybe a few pep talks and motivational posters wouldn’t hurt…
Defensive Dominance
Let’s talk defense — NDSU didn’t just show up; they knocked down plays like a bowling ball on a strike. The Bison had six sacks, forced four fumbles, and made two recoveries. The defensive stand was so good, it made the Missouri State offense look like it had just finished a marathon!
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the Bison will face South Dakota on November 23rd at 1 p.m. It should be quite the spectacle. And if you intend to catch the game, bring your popcorn, sit back, and be prepared for more than a little drama!
Commentary
Ah, the Harvest Bowl! A fitting name for what was essentially a Bison buffet. North Dakota State didn’t just stroll onto the field; they strutted in with confidence, swaggering like they owned the place. And let’s be honest, after winning so much, they probably do!
Now, if you’re Missouri State, watching NDSU’s ground game was probably like watching your parents dance at a wedding—entertaining to behold but a little embarrassing for you. It’s quite the spectacle when your adversaries score on their first four possessions and your defensive line looks more like a suggestion than a solid wall of granite.
And what’s a kicker supposed to do in situations like that? Poor Griffin Crosa might as well have been warming up for a game of golf instead of kicking actual field goals in a football game! Oh, but the sweetness of victory is even sweeter when you know you’ve rewritten the record books — 404 points accumulated, breaking past records as smoothly as butter melts on hot cornbread.
So, buckle up, folks. Because the Bison are on the move, and Missouri State has switched leagues — let’s hope they brought their A-game (and a proper GPS this time) to their upcoming conference!
In sports, as in life, one moment you’re on top, and the next, you’re just another cute bear trying to juggle with the big boys. Cheers to football! 🏈
Zachary Lucy
21
8-3 , 6-1
59
Winner
10-1 , 7-0
8-3 , 6-1
21
59
10-1 , 7-0
Winner
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
|
|
21 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 59 |
Game Recap: Football | 11/16/2024 7:08:00 PM
FARGO, N.D. – No. 1-ranked North Dakota State scored on its first four possessions. The Bison cruised to a decisive victory over Missouri State in the annual Harvest Bowl game. This event unfolded on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome, with a final score of 59-21.
North Dakota State improved to an impressive 10-1 overall and 7-0 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, clinching at least a share of its 11th league title. The Bison will strive for an outright league win next week against fifth-ranked South Dakota.
Missouri State’s season record now stands at 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the MVFC. The Bears are set to transition to Conference USA next year.
NDSU’s Barika Kpeenu achieved remarkable feats with 10 rushes for a staggering 169 yards and two touchdowns. Alongside him, CharMar Brown rushed 14 times for 113 yards and one score. As a team, the Bison amassed a phenomenal 364 rushing yards, averaging an extraordinary 9.6 yards per carry.
Kpeenu commenced the scoring frenzy by rushing 52 yards for a touchdown on NDSU’s second play of the game. He later added another touchdown with a 49-yard run in the third quarter, showcasing his explosive speed and skill.
The exceptional Bison kicker, Griffin Crosa, added 11 points to the scoreboard with eight successful extra-point kicks and a 32-yard field goal. Crosa also became the all-time leading scorer for the Bison, concluding the game with 404 career points, surpassing the previous record of 399.
Quarterback Cam Miller excelled, completing 17 of 24 passes for 155 yards and achieving a career-high four touchdown passes. Tight end Joe Stoffel was among four NDSU players with three receptions, illustrating the depth of talent on the roster.
North Dakota State outgained Missouri State by an impressive margin, recording 575 total yards compared to the Bears’ 382 yards. The Bison defense demonstrated its prowess by limiting Missouri State to a season-low 21 points.
NDSU’s defense was relentless, with six sack performances, four forced fumbles, and two recoveries. Standout players included safety Darius Givance and linebacker Marcus Gulley, each making five tackles. Defensive tackle Eli Mostaert contributed with four stops, including 1.5 sacks, while defensive end Toby Anene also recorded a sack.
How does the outcome of the upcoming match against South Dakota impact North Dakota State’s playoff aspirations?
Vel to their next match against a yet-to-be-determined opponent, looking to rebound after this tough loss.
In the game against Missouri State, North Dakota State’s offense showcased its strength from the onset, scoring 21 points in the first quarter alone. The Bison’s defense also contributed significantly, stifling the Bears’ attempts to mount a comeback throughout the match.
Quarterback Cam Miller led the charge with a stellar performance, throwing for multiple touchdowns and effectively managing the game. This victory marks a crucial point in the season for the Bison as they prepare to face South Dakota, which is expected to be a fiercely contested game. The South Dakota matchup will not only be pivotal for the Bison in securing the league title outright but also serve as a test of their mettle heading into the postseason.
As the playoffs loom closer, North Dakota State continues to solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate football, with eyes set on a championship run.
