FARGO, N.D. — Cam Miller threw a touchdown pass in the first half and ran for a second score after the break to lead third-seeded North Dakota State to a 27-9 win over sixth-seeded Samford in a Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinal Friday night.
Already missing fullback Hunter Luepke, who is out for the season with an injured shoulder, the Bison lost running back TaMerik Williams in the first half against Samford.
No matter. North Dakota State (11-2) still pounded away at the Bulldogs (11-2), rushing for 166 yards on 48 carries and dominating time of possession by holding the ball for more than 39 minutes.
Samford went with freshman Quincy Crittendon at quarterback after regular starter Michael Hiers was a game-time scratch with an injured hand that kept him out of last week’s second-round win over Southeastern Louisiana. But the Southern Conference champions from Birmingham, Alabama, went three-and-out on their first three possessions, and an 11-play, 47-yard drive came up empty when Zach Williams’ 34-yard field-goal attempt was blocked by Spencer Waege.
Samford turned the ball over on downs and went three-and-out for a fourth time on its final two possessions of the half.