ETSU Football Falls Short in Thrilling Clash Against North Dakota State

Exciting Finish as ETSU Football Battles North Dakota State

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Football fans in Johnson City were treated to a nail-biting showdown as the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Buccaneers took on the North Dakota State Bison in an exciting game on Saturday afternoon. The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of anticipation and camaraderie filling the air as students, parents, and faculty gathered to show their support.

A Tale of Two Halves

It was a classic football game, where both teams faced off with determination and skill. The game marked the first meeting between these two teams since 2021, and fans were eager to see how the Bucs would fare against the No. 2 team in the country.

The game started off with some action right out of the gate. Bryce Lance of the Bison struck first with an 18-yard touchdown on an end-around play, giving the Bison a 7-0 lead. But the Bucs responded quickly with a three-yard rushing touchdown from Bryson Irby, tying the game at 7-7.

The back-and-forth continued as NDSU quarterback Cam Miller connected with tight end Joe Stoffel to regain the lead, making it 14-7. However, the Bucs were not to be outdone! A thrilling 40-yard throw from Jaylen King to Hakeem Meggett set up linebacker Ty Anderson for a touchdown, making the score 14-14.

ETSU Takes Charge

The action intensified as the Bison kicked a 53-yard field goal, taking a brief lead at 17-14. But Irby was ready to showcase his talent, breaking free for a dazzling 61-yard touchdown run to give the Bucs their first lead of the day, 21-17. By the end of the third quarter, Irby had scored again, making it 28-17 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Just when it looked like the Bucs might run away with the game, Miller and the Bison fought back, capping off a meticulously executed 13-play drive with a short touchdown run. After a failed two-point conversion, the score stood at 28-23 in favor of ETSU.

The Final Minutes

As the game wound down, the Bucs were still ahead 35-23 after King connected with Cameron Lewis for a touchdown. With just under nine minutes left in the game, things seemed to be going the Bucs’ way—but football is often full of surprises.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Bison managed to score again, tying up the score at 38-35 after Miller connected with his team through gutsy plays, including a critical onside kick recovery.

A Fighting Spirit

With only 50 seconds left and the game on the line, Miller managed to find a way to escape a collapsing pocket and dashed into the end zone for another touchdown, solidifying the Bison’s comeback. The successful two-point conversion left the Bucs scrambling for a last-minute chance.

Despite giving it their all, ETSU’s final drive to reclaim the game ended in heartbreak as Logan Klopp intercepted King’s desperate pass, sealing the victory for North Dakota State with a final score of 38-35.

Celebrating Sportsmanship

Despite the loss, the spirit of competition and sportsmanship was alive and well in Johnson City. Fans from both sides mingled during the tailgate, creating a welcoming atmosphere. One ETSU alumnus, Darren Caldwell, shared his joy about the experience, stating, “It’s just everybody coming together and hanging out; it’s just a lot of fun.”

This game leaves the Buccaneers with a 1-2 record, but it’s clear they have the heart and talent to keep pushing forward. The excitement from the crowd and the determination shown by the players left everyone looking forward to what’s next for ETSU football!