History was sure to be achieved in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs Friday night. Fortunately for UIW, history was on its side, with the Cardinals defeating No. 2 seed Sacramento State 66-63 to earn their first appearance in the FCS semifinals in program history.

UIW advances to play No. 3 seed North Dakota State next Friday or Saturday in the Fargodome.

Here are three thoughts from the game.

The drive: On a night when the teams combined for 1,317 yards and 19 of 28 drives ended in points, the game came down to one final drive for UIW. There is no quarterback at any level in college football this year that’s better suited to lead a game-winning drive than Lindsey Scott Jr.

Following a furious 14-point rally by Sacramento State to take a 63-59 lead, Scott and the UIW offense had 1:43 left in regulation and needed 75 yards to regain the lead. However, the Cardinals only needed 76 seconds to find the end zone when Taylor Grimes secured the ball between his legs while falling to the ground for a 21-yard touchdown reception.

Scott’s rushing ability was the difference in this game. He ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 19 attempts. The only negative for Scott on the night was his masterpiece performance was not on national television. He will have a chance to make a statement to the nation next week.

Winning the turnover battle: Last week, turnovers nearly cost UIW a victory. This week, turnovers are a big reason the Cardinals are in the FCS semifinals. The Cardinals forced four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles) and took full advantage of the extra opportunities with 21 points off the turnovers.

Elliott Davison and Brandon Richard each intercepted a pass, and Kelechi Anyalebechi returned a fumble 55 yards for a touchdown to extend UIW’s lead back to 11 points midway through the fourth quarter.

On a night when the UIW defense never forced the Hornets to punt, two turnovers to end the first half led to 14 points and gave the Cardinals their first lead of the game. UIW took the momentum into halftime and owned an 11-point lead at the break.

The road eventually leads to North Dakota State: Every team that desires to win an FCS title will ultimately need to defeat North Dakota State. Many in the media try to compare the Bison to today’s Alabama teams. However, a better comparison may be the UCLA men’s basketball program from 1969-1975.

The Bruins claimed six national titles during those seven years. Since 2011, the Bison have claimed nine of the last 11 FCS national championships. NDSU plays inside the 19,000-seat Fargodome, which will be loud.

The task is undoubtedly daunting, but this UIW team has answered every question this year. The Cardinals will be a considerable underdog, but that’s when this UIW team has thrived this season. Don’t be surprised if they give the Bison a game next week.