By ETT 
Bryce Lance’s Legendary Catch: A Critical Examination of North Dakota State’s FCS Semifinal Triumph
On January 6th, 2023, Bryce Lance, the star wide receiver for North Dakota State, etched his name into FCS (Football Championship Series) history with a legendary catch that propelled the Bison to the FCS Championship Game. The catch, which came in the dying seconds of the FCS semifinals against Montana State, has been hailed as one of the most extraordinary plays in college football history and has sparked a national debate about the nuances and complexities of the FCS.
The Play That Changed the Game
With just 26 seconds remaining on the clock and North Dakota State trailing Montana State 20-19, Bison quarterback Cam Miller threw a desperate pass into the end zone. Lance, who was double-covered by Montana State defenders, somehow managed to make a remarkable leaping grab, securing the ball with one hand and dragging both feet inbounds for the game-winning touchdown. The crowd at Gate City Bank Field erupted in pandemonium, and the Bison clinched their eighth appearance in the FCS Championship Game.
A Statistical Juggernaut
Lance’s legendary catch was the culmination of a dominant season for the North Dakota State Bison. The Bison, who are consistently ranked among the top teams in the FCS, finished the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record and an average margin of victory of nearly 30 points. Lance, a 6’3″, 205-pound junior, was a major contributor to the Bison’s success, ranking among the top receivers in the FCS with 1,118 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
The FCS vs. FBS Debate
The Bison’s success has sparked a debate about the relative strength of the FCS and the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision), the top tier of college football. Some argue that the FCS is on par with the FBS, pointing to the fact that the Bison have defeated FBS teams in recent years. Others contend that the FBS is still the superior league due to its larger budgets, better facilities, and more talented players.
| Characteristic | FCS | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Number of teams | 131 | 130 |
| Average number of scholarships per team | 63 | 85 |
| Average team budget | $4 million | $20 million |
| Average attendance per game | 3,000 | 30,000 |
Table 1: Comparison of the FCS and FBS
The Importance of FCS Football
While the FBS may be more glamorous, the FCS plays a vital role in the college football landscape. The FCS provides an opportunity for student-athletes from smaller schools to compete at the highest level of college football. FCS schools also tend to have a stronger emphasis on academics than their FBS counterparts, with many FCS student-athletes earning graduate degrees.
Conclusion
Bryce Lance’s legendary catch was a testament to the skill and determination of the North Dakota State Bison. The Bison’s victory over Montana State was a major upset and has sparked a national debate about the relative strength of the FCS and the FBS. While the FCS may not be as well-known as the FBS, it provides an important opportunity for student-athletes to compete at a high level while also pursuing their academic goals.
Lance’s catch will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest moments in FCS history. It is a reminder that anything is possible in sports and that even the smallest schools can achieve greatness.
