Feature photo by J. Alan Paul Photography
After ending the season with a loss for the first time since 2010, the 2017 North Dakota State football team was on a mission to reclaim its throne atop the FCS. With a dominating start in the nonconference schedule to the grind of the Missouri Valley Football Conference gauntlet to another home stretch in the playoffs, the Bison provided a trip back to Frisco, Texas, that the players, coaches and fans will never forget.
North Dakota State defensive end Caleb Butler tells us all about his reaction from another trip back to Frisco.
Position: Defensive End
Year: Junior
Stats: 53 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, 7 QB hurries
How would you describe that second half of the JMU game where you guys had to get stop after stop?
“We were just playing our game and sticking to our assignments. We were having fun out there. It was the national championship, you have to have fun. We were just doing our jobs.”
Did any doubt creep into your mind after that fake punt?
“It was business as usual. If you just say, ‘Oh my gosh,’ you kind of psych yourself out. You have to keep the same mindset as it’s just another series.”
Where did that Derrek Tuszka performance come from?
“It just happened to work out for him. He was doing great all year. He was a half-second away from a lot of sacks. This quarterback just held on to it a little longer this game.”
Did you talk to Brad Ambrosius at all after the game? Was it nice to get that revenge for those seniors from last year’s team?
“He was just really excited. After the game, he was just happy that this team was able to get a championship.”
“We’re always competitive. It doesn’t matter how many people are there or if it’s just you. But with more people there, they help you see what you did wrong and encourage you to do better.” – Caleb Butler, “Time To Shine: Alley Cats Ready To Show Depth“
RELATED: Read other returning players’ reactions from their trip back to Frisco.
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