SDSU

SDSU's Zach Zenner seeks better outcome vs. Bison

Terry Vandrovec
tvandrovec@argusleader.com

BROOKINGS – South Dakota State superman Zach Zenner claims not to be bothered by his statistical struggles against North Dakota State. But he freely admits to being bummed about the lack of victories against the Bison.

The two concepts appear to be related, if not mutually exclusive.

Two weeks ago, the Jackrabbits won without a triple-digit performance by the senior running back for the first time since 2012, snapping a four-game, circumstantial slide. Three of those defeats were dealt by NDSU.

On Saturday afternoon in Fargo, the most prolific rusher in Missouri Valley Football Conference history gets another shot – maybe his last – at the program that holds the FCS record for consecutive wins. While the matchup doesn't pit 11 guys against one, it's felt that way the last couple of years. The Bison have bested the Jacks in large part by smothering Zenner.

"What we've done in the past isn't going to be a factor in what we do this week," NDSU first-year coach Chris Klieman said. "We've got to have a great game plan. We know how productive of a back Zenner is."

The 6-foot, 220-pound senior is an all-time great at the FCS level from a production standpoint, ranking sixth in career rushing yards (5,666). He's reached 100 on 28 occasions, including against Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, and is averaging 123.3 per game for his career despite playing a reserve role as a redshirt freshman. Last year, Zenner became the second player in FCS history to go over 2,000 yards in separate seasons. This year, he's already over 1,000 yards, continuing to thrive under a massive workload and relentless defensive attention.

But it's always been a different story against the Bison. Zenner has totaled 127 yards and a single score on 44 carries over four games. That culminated – or bottomed out, depending on your allegiance – last fall in Brookings as NDSU limited Zenner to four yards on eight carries in a 20-0 victory.

Certainly, Zenner isn't the only All-American to be stymied by the Bison during their record run that now stands at 32 wins and three straight national titles. It just seems that they've been at their schematic and physical best in these matchups, rising up to besmirch the resume of the best player at their rival school.

On a related note, NDSU recruited Zenner – except as a linebacker rather than a running back. And they didn't offer a scholarship.

"It's just being disciplined more than anything," said Bison senior defensive end and O'Gorman High grad Mike Hardie. "We always preach stop the run and be disciplined – do your job. If everyone does their job the best they can, good things will happen."

Oddly enough, Zenner is in agreement – this Saturday's matchup is about execution more than scheme, especially along the line of scrimmage. That's potentially problematic for the No. 18 Jacks (5-3).

No. 1 NDSU (8-0) is in the top 10 in the FCS in rushing defense, giving up 102.1 yards per game and allowing a total of five rushing touchdowns. Its retooled defensive line is plenty stout if not as deep as last year. Klieman graded the group as being good not great, in part because it has allowed two conference backs – J.C. Baker of Western Illinois and Malcolm Agnew of Southern Illinois – to top the 100-yard mark.

However, SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier said that the Jacks offensive line – hit hard by graduation and injuries – has received only average marks through eight weeks, while ranking last in the league in sacks allowed (26). And it's not like the Bison are going to pay less attention to defending the run given that the Jacks likely will be without two other all-conference senior skill players – quarterback Austin Sumner (foot) and receiver Jason Schneider (knee) – because of injuries.

For as difficult as it's been, SDSU may have no choice but to keep running Zenner at the Bison brick wall.

"We're going to be ready," said Stiegelmeier, whose team has lost five straight in the Dakota Marker series. "We'll be ready scheme-wise and we'll be ready with our pride."

At a Glance

Record: 5-3 (2-2 Missouri Valley)

Saturday: At No. 1 NDSU (8-0, 4-0), 2:30 p.m. in Fargo, N.D.