FCS Championship 2013: Sam Houston State vs. North Dakota State preview and TV schedule

The Sam Houston State Bearkats (11-3) take a short trip north to play the No. 1 North Dakota State Bison (13-1) on Saturday afternoon in the FCS Championship game at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, TX.

The two teams will play for the FCS title for the second-consecutive year after North Dakota St. slowed down Sam Houston St. last year to win 17-6. The Bearkats had to live with that loss all year and now find themselves with an opportunity make up for a poor performance a year ago.

Quarterback Brian Bell returns for the Bearkats after throwing two interceptions against the Bison last year and completing just 12 of 32 passes. While Bell's passing game has improved this season, SHSU will lean on a running game that really makes the offense go.

The Bearkats are averaging nearly 280 yards per game on the ground with junior running back Tim Flanders averaging 113 yards per game. In their FCS semifinal win over Eastern Washington, Flanders ran through the Eagles for 231 yards on 34 carries.

The Bison will present a challenge for Flanders and the running game since they are first in the FCS in total defense and only allow 92 yards per game on the ground.

The game is scheduled to kick off at noon CT and will be televised on ESPN2.