Maybe but he can't throw it beyond 10 yards. So their entire offense is centered within 10 yards. That backup QB can't throw at all. Stop the run and they are stuck in mud. Guessing the majority of that stat is from one game against a really crappy opponent.
This is an average NDSU team. This is not an NDSU team of 5,6,7 years ago than owned the FCS. Their two QBs run the ball well and that is it. Below average passing game and well below average defense.
To me this isn't the same as it was 20-30 years ago. Kind of like with the Gophers in hockey. I don't think this means as much to the players. With recruiting having expanded out of the region for both teams this just ends up bring another game. For NDSU I think they see the Jacks as a bigger rival.
Let's be real here. The Mountain West is a joke and this isn't the Boise State of 15-20 years ago. There is absolutely no reason UND should not be able to go and win this game. IF UND wants to be a legit program they need to win this game. SDSU willl be a bigger measuring stick than this game.