FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Eric Perkins returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown to finish off a dominating first half and four-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State beat Richmond 33-7 in a semifinal game Saturday night.
The Bison advanced to the Jan. 9 championship game in Frisco, Texas, against the winner of the semifinal Saturday between Sam Houston State and Jacksonville State.
North Dakota State led 26-0 at half, and it should have been more. The Bison drove into Spiders territory with all eight of their drives, with two ending on missed field goals. They also blew two point-after tries.
North Dakota State (12-2) built a 247-67 advantage in total yardage by halftime. Richmond (10-4) crossed onto the Bison’s side of the field just once in the first half.
The Bison are 16-0 at home in the FCS playoffs.
