North Dakota State survives in FCS playoffs with blocked extra point against Montana State

It’s been a down year for North Dakota State football by its own dynastic standards, but the Bison are still kicking in the FCS playoffs after pulling a second-round upset on the road over six-seeded Montana State.

The game went to overtime tied at 28, and after North Dakota State scored on its opening drive, the Bobcats answered with a touchdown on their first play.

They were an extra point away from sending the game to a second overtime period, but backup offensive lineman Hunter Poncius took advantage of his 6-foot-8 frame, putting his hand up to block the point-after attempt and keep the Bison’s season alive.

I can’t believe it. pic.twitter.com/3DyJ82QKo4

— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) December 2, 2023

Montana State scored a TD in OT, and North Dakota State 6’8 backup OL Hunter Poncius blocked the PAT for a 35-34 win!! pic.twitter.com/HrCtatJvHU

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 2, 2023

North Dakota State has won nine national titles since 2011, but it came up short last season and suffered three losses during the 2023 regular season. One of those came at home by a 24-19 margin against No. 3 seed South Dakota, which will host the Bison in the quarterfinal next weekend.