North Dakota State offense in high gear

Apr 26, 2015 - 3:11 AM Fargo, ND (SportsNetwork.com) - For a change, the offense is supposed to be ahead of the defense with North Dakota State's national championship program.

It was evident on Saturday as the offense scored on six of its nine drives while posting a 61-12 win over the defense in the annual Green and Gold Spring Game before 3,900 at the Fargodome.

The Bison are the four-time defending FCS national champions, including this past season in coach Chris Klieman's first as head coach.

The spring game used a modified scoring system that awarded the offense bonus points for 10-yard plays (one point) and eight-play drives (two points). The defense earned its only points on a sack (two), a three-and-out (two), two other stopped drives (one) and six tackles for loss (one).

Starting quarterback Carson Wentz played only one drive, completing three of four passes for 62 yards. Chase Morlock capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run.

Redshirt freshman running back Lance Dunn had 76 yards and two touchdowns on six carries, while sophomore tight end Jeff Illies made two catches for a game- high 76 yards.

Defensively, redshirt freshman linebacker Dan Marlette had six tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Junior linebacker Nick DeLuca collected five tackles.

North Dakota State has posted a 58-3 record since the start of the 2011 season, including 14-1 last season. The Bison will open their 2015 schedule on Aug. 29 with a visit to Montana in the second FCS Kickoff.