FARGO, N.D. (AP) Cam Miller threw for a first-half touchdown and ran for a second to lead third-seeded North Dakota State to a 27-9 win over Samford in a Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinal-round playoff game on Friday night.

Already without fullback Hunter Luepke, who is out for the season with an injured shoulder, the Bison lost running back TaMerik Williams in the first half against Samford. No matter. North Dakota State still pounded away at Samford, rushing for 166 yards on 48 carries and dominating time of possession, holding the ball for more than 39 minutes.

Samford went with freshman Quincy Crittendon at quarterback after starter Michael Hiers was a game-time scratch with an injured hand that kept him out of last week's opening-round win over Southeast Louisiana. But the Bulldogs went three-and-out on their first three possessions and an 11-play, 47-yard drive came up empty when Zach Williams' 34-yard field-goal attempt was blocked by Spencer Waege. Samford turned the ball over on downs and went three-and-out for the fourth time in the first half on its final two possessions.