NDSU dominates Austin Peay, but performance mixed

[WYOBISONMAN]

The QB question at NDSU was answered in part lastnight in front of 18,701 screaming fans at the Fargodome. Junior QB Nick Mertens came out and did exactly what he needed to do by completing 16 of 18 passes for a total of 304 yards. AP keyed heavily on the run and did a good job of shutting that down and many fans were a little shocked that the Bison only gained 149 yards rushing.

The real black spot for the Bison was special teams coverage on returns. Here the Bison floundered and looked as if they needed a lot of work. Terrence Holt for Austin Peay had 250 yards in returns. NDSU has to improve on that coverage or a better team will take some significant advantage of that weakness.

Despite all that NDSU pounded Austin Peay by a score of 46-6.

[AZGrizFan]

The QB question at NDSU was answered in part lastnight in front of 18,701 screaming fans at the Fargodome. Junior QB Nick Mertens came out and did exactly what he needed to do by completing 16 of 18 passes for a total of 304 yards. AP keyed heavily on the run and did a good job of shutting that down and many fans were a little shocked that the Bison only gained 149 yards rushing.

The real black spot for the Bison was special teams coverage on returns. Here the Bison floundered and looked as if they needed a lot of work. Terrence Holt for Austin Peay had 250 yards in returns. NDSU has to improve on that coverage or a better team will take some significant advantage of that weakness.

Despite all that NDSU pounded Austin Peay by a score of 46-6.

46 points means a LOT of returns by Austin Peay specialists...I don't know how much I'd read into that 250 yard number...

[WYOBISONMAN]

True......but the kicker had to tackle the return man twice......

[skinny_uncle]

At least you kicked off your season with a win. Congrats.