The FCS semifinals will happen Friday night in Fargo despite Mother Nature's best efforts.

A winter snowstorm has socked the Red River Valley, but Incarnate Word left San Antonio Thursday afternoon and will arrive in Fargo for the game Friday night.

North Dakota State returns to the FCS semifinals for an 11th time in the last 12 years, eager to return to Frisco, Texas for a tenth time. If they are going to do that they will need to slow down a highly potent UIW offense, led by likely Walter Payton award winner, Lindsay Scott. The seventh year quarterback enters Friday's game with 59 touchdown passes.

The Bison are a banged up unit on offense, after injuries to TaMerik Williams and Raja Nelson in the quarterfinal win over Samford. Their status is unknown for the game Friday. NDSU may get the return of defensive tackle Eli Mostaert, who has missed nearly the entire season of breaking his leg in Week Two against North Carolina A&T.