JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) football team played the No. 2 North Dakota State University on Saturday.
The Bucs hosted the Bison for their first meeting since 2021, when the two teams were in the FCS quarterfinals.
ETSU led by 12 points in the final quarter, but the Bison scrapped back to snag a victory in the final minute of the game, 38-35.
The teams traded a pair of touchdowns early – a Bryce Lance 18-yard end-around score was answered by the Bucs with a Bryson Irby three-yard scamper. NDSU quarterback Cam Miller found his big tight end, Joe Stoffel, to claim a 14-7 lead.
However, a huge 40-yard connection from Jaylen King to Hakeem Meggett setup linebacker Ty Anderson to plunge into the endzone, tying the game, 14-14.
A 53-yard field goal from the visitors put them out in front, but not for long. Irby broke off a 61-yard rushing touchdown to give the Blue and Gold their first lead of the day, 21-17.
Irby scored a third touchdown in the third quarter to give the Bucs a 28-17 edge. But, Cam Miller fought to keep the Bison within striking distance, capping off a 13-play, 57-yard drive with a quarterback keeper.
The two-point conversion failed, keeping the ETSU lead at 28-23.
The Bucs looked to be in control when King hit Cameron Lewis up the seam for a 19-yard touchdown strike. ETSU led the No. 2 team in the nation by 12 points with just 8:39 to play.
But, after narrowly avoiding the disaster of a muffed punt, the Bison retained possession and scored on a T.K. Marshall three-yard run – cutting the lead to 35-30.
The visitors then recovered the ensuing onside kick, gaining possession with a chance to take a lead. They did just that when Miller escaped a collapsing pocket for an eleven-yard touchdown with 50 seconds to play. The successful two-point conversion made it a 38-35 contest.
ETSU’s final drive to tie or win the game late was derailed when Logan Klopp intercepted King’s pass.
Irby ran behind a strong performance from the ETSU offensive line, carrying the ball 15 times for 147 yards a three touchdowns.
However, it was NDSU’s Cam Miller that came up big in crunch time. He completed 21-of-33 passes for 250 yards and a score, while also rushing for 47 more yards and two touchdowns.
Saturday’s game brings ETSU to a 1-2 record.
The Bucs had a crowd of students, parents and faculty cheering them on at Saturday’s tailgate. North Dakota’s fanbase also came to Tennessee with sportsmanship.
Darren Caldwell, an ETSU alumni and former baseball player, said he enjoys the tailgates, especially when they are “packed.”
“We invite everybody,” said Caldwell. “We have the North Dakota State fans out here today. They were very welcoming when we went up there. You know, they were here today. They drove down. They had a good time. And it’s just everybody coming together and hanging out, tailgating. It’s just a lot of fun.”
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