You key to the argument is UND could have easily regained time and flow after the penalty and had plenty of plays on offense and defense to take control of it but failed.
Giving a team a first down (whether on third or fourth down) played a very small part in the 100s of plays ran.
They didn't score on that penalty. They scored on the numerous plays that drove the field after that penalty.
Or if they didn't have the 50 yard pass at the end to set up the field goal.
Giving the other team 15 yards play really is the same whether it happens in the first quarter or the last quarter. And whether a penalty or blown coverage makes no difference. What about the missed UND field goal or the 80 yard spider TD pass. Those equal or were worse than one play (und penalty) that gained them 15 yards. They still had to drive 70 yards to score after that penalty!
Human nature took over throughout the team from the players to coaches. They got a decent lead and weren't as sharp: mental or physical.
Same thing that helped UND win games this season and get this far.
Is what it is. Learn from it. And do better next time.
It sounded like there was two alumni parties and the less official one, the one not at the empire guarantees to have the football game on tv. Can't remember where it was though.
Was it the Beer Authority?