McFeely: Bison running game least productive since 2002, which needs to change

FARGO — The goal seems modest for North Dakota State s offense. Asked what his team needs to avoid slow starts on that side of the ball, head coach Tim Polasek at his weekly press conference laid out the most humble of metrics. More 5-yard plays would be great. I think that s a starting point, right? Polasek said ahead of his team s game Saturday against UTEP at the Fargodome. That keeps you ahead of the chains. Fun fact: In four of five seasons between 2018 and 2022, the Bison averaged more than 6 yards on running plays. The only year they did not was the stupid and unnecessary spring 2021 season when they averaged a still-admirable 5.1 yards per rush. How easy is football when you can hand off or run your quarterback and average more than 6 yards a play? The math ain t great in this corner of the world, but 6+6 = 12. A first down is granted after 10 yards, barring penalty. And 12 10. Two handoffs, first down. Easy. Life is never that simple, of course,