Massey gives YSU a 15% chance of winning and predicts a score of 20-7. YSU is 11.5 point dogs, and the O/U is 34.5. Personally, I think the under is a good bet. If the over wins, we are getting stomped.
This game is the 41st annual Harvest Bowl, celebrating excellence in agriculture, and NDSU will feature special "harvest" helmets.
YSU, ranked last in the Valley in passing offense, scoring offense, passing efficiency, and total offense, will face NDSU, who has the top rated rushing defense, red-zone defense, and scoring defense. Tre Dempsey of NDSU leads the conference in INTs (4), and UNI QB Dunne was picked 4 times last week. The YSU offense may be walking into a hornet's nest Saturday. If you give NDSU short fields, the game will get out of reach fast. A drive ending in a punt is not a crime, but one ending in a turnover is. Schuler is the top ranked punter in the MVFC. For an offense that has scored one TD in the last two games, a FG would be a glorious way to conclude a drive, particularly in a defensive struggle.
YSU's defense is ranked #1 in the Valley in total D, passing defense, sacks, and opponent first downs. NDSU is ranked first in rushing offense, but injuries may be limiting for them. Stick has thrown 4 picks in the last two games. Smith, Moss, and Rivers have combined for 16 solo sacks. Moss leads the MVFC in TFLs. Just stratospheric defensive stats.
Like SDSU, NDSU is a well balanced team with few Achilles heels. If our offense commits no turnovers, and we get a defensive score or Darien Townsend takes another punt return to the house, then I think we can pull it off. If we pull it off, we should get a seed and first round bye, and likely a deep run. TBH, I don't think we have the tools in the offensive toolbox to pull the win, but I hope I am proven wrong. NDSU 17-6
