![It was a Grinder](http://townsquare.media/site/502/files/2019/12/gettyimages-612067686-612x612iconsportswire.jpg?w=150&h=150&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
It was a Grinder
NDSU advanced to its ninth consecutive championship game with this true nailbiter.
James Robinson put 94 on the ground but it was the QB play (or lack of) that spelled doom for Illinois State's advancement chances.
NDSU had to wait till game 14 of the season or 2nd game of the tournament to finally have a true nailbiter and like always, the team responded. This doesn't bode well for the rest of the FCS moving forward because it shows the 2019 version of this team has the moxie to win close games as well.
Illinois state defense kept them in the game as well as their running game. On the other hand, the QB play was horrific. Bryce Jefferson was 3/8 for 35 yards and one pick. Most importantly, he missed three WIDE open guys on his last drive to seal their fate.
It just shows once again that at this point in the 2019 season so far, the Bison are a class within itself. Semi-finals are next week with Montana state.
Man, I should have bet the spread!
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