Using a multitude of offensive weapons, the Gold defeated the Green 61-12 in NDSU's annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 25.
One of the stars of the game was redshirt freshman running back Lance Dunn. Dunn carried the ball 6 times for 76 yards and two touchdowns, including a 33-yard touchdown run in the first half of the game that showed off his speed.
Sophomore tight end Jeff Illies also showed off his receiving skills, grabbing 2 catches for 76 yards. He made a highlight 46-yard grab along the sidelines in the first half.
Back-up quarterback Easton Stick complete seven of nine passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 30 yards and touchdown. The touchdown run, a 31-yarder, had the Bison defense on roller skates.
"It was just something I have always kind of done, trying to extend plays," said Stick about his running ability. "Make something happen."
Players like Dunn and Illies give coach Chris Klieman confidence in his team's offense.
"(Dunn) has a second gear," said Klieman. "We've packed some pounds on Jeff so he can be a hand-in-the-dirt tight end. If we can flex him out, he'll create some mismatches."
The defense was led by redshirt freshman linebacker Dan Marlette. Marlette had a six tackles, 2.5 for a loss and a sack. Marlette, a Sioux Falls native, fells that the depth of the linebackers is going to be key for the NDSU defense.
"We are going to have those starting three in and once they get a little gassed we will bring in the second string," said Marlette. "Instead of the ones declining, you keep them at that same level of play throughout the game.