While most people over the holiday season were busy watching bowl games on TV, getting hyped about the College Football Playoff, and anticipating the choosing of a victor, another college football playoff was occurring that many people did not know about. If you are from North Dakota, however, I am sure you know exactly to what I am referring.
This past Saturday North Dakota State faced Jacksonville State in the Division I FCS college football championship game in Frisco, Texas. It was the fifth time in a row that NDSU had taken a trip to Frisco for the championship game, and they were seeking a college football record, a fifth consecutive national title. They won the game 37-10 and dominated Jacksonville State the entire game. The defense forced two turnovers and numerous three-and-outs. On offense, the Bison were able to score on their first four possessions and entered halftime up 24-0. Led by star quarterback Carson Wentz, who returned after missing eight games due to a wrist injury, the offense was never slowed by the Gamecocks defense. Wentz finished the game completing16-of-30 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions and ran the ball for 79 yards and two touchdowns. As fate would have it, Wentz helped his team set a record for consecutive football championships, but also an unbreakable record himself.
Connor Wentz became the first college football athlete with five total championship victories, a mark that will never be beaten, and possibly never matched. Wentz was the victim of a perfect storm. He red-shirted his freshman year, allowing him to play for NDSU for five seasons rather than the typical four. He also was very fortunate to be playing for a very talented, and dominating, North Dakota State team that traveled to Frisco each year to play in the championship game. But the last of his five titles was arguably the biggest of his career. He was coming back from injury and was facing a number one seed in the championship game and he absolutely shined in the moment. He proved that he is the best player in FCS football and is a top draft prospect.
What we know now is that North Dakota State’s dynasty continues on, and as it stands right now, they may be the only college football team ever to be able to produce more five-time championship winning athletes. For now, all we can do is wait for next season and see if NDSU can six-peat and do so with another five-time championship winning athlete.
