The FCS quarterfinals kick off tonight and continue tomorrow in Fargo as North Dakota State hosts Southern Conference champion Mercer for a berth in the semifinals.

 

The Bears (11-2) advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time after beating Rhode Island 17-10 last week in the second round. They are led defensively by a team that has racked up 23 interceptions, including two separate players with seven picks.

 

They racked up individual postseason awards for their success; Mike Jacobs in his first season was named SoCon coach of the year, running back Dwayne McGee was named offensive player of the year, Bradyen Manley took defensive player of the year and defensive end Andrew Zock was the freshman of the year.

 

Mercer has a true freshman leading them at quarterback in Whitt Newbauer. Newbauer took over during the middle part of the season for DJ Smith. He's completed 57% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and three interceptions.

 

North Dakota State enters the quarterfinals for a 15th straight year after knocking off Abilene Christian last week. The Bison will face a SoCon team in the quarters for a fourth separate time. NDSU played Wofford in 2012 and 2017, East Tennessee State in 2021 and Samford in 2022.

 

The Forum's Jeff Kolpack and WDAY's Dom Izzo preview the matchup and look ahead to the other games in the quarterfinal round.