With his parents, girlfriend and friends in attendance, San Benito High alumnus Michael Murphy reached the pinnacle of college football’s Division I Football Championship Subdivision on Saturday, winning the national championship as a member of the North Dakota State Bison.
In a defensive battle, which forced the Bison to punt 10 times, North Dakota State beat Sam Houston State 17-6. The championship was the Bison’s first Division I title after the school made the jump from Division II in 2004. The Bison were five-time Division II champions before changing divisions.
With the win, the Bison finished the season 14-1 overall.
As the long snapper on the championship squad, Murphy played an integral part in the victory. He was on the field for all 10 punts, and the Bison’s first-quarter field goal.
Most important, though, Murphy was on the field for a momentum-swinging fake punt in the game’s third quarter.
“That was the biggest play of the game,” he said. “It changed the game completely. It was a huge part of the game.”
On the fourth-and-four play, punter Matt Voigtlander took Murphy’s snap and took off for a 27-yard gain. Down 6-3 at the time, the play gave the Bison some offensive momentum and, on the next play, the game’s first touchdown.
The fake-punt call was something the team worked on all year and was ready to utilize in the game, Murphy said.
“When coached called it, we were ready,” Murphy said. “We could have called out of it, but it was open so we ran it.”
After snapping the ball, Murphy needed to block and open the running lanes down the field, he said.
“I was blocking and Matt ran right past me and went upfield,” he said. “It felt great to be a part of that play.”
In the end, though, the better feeling was holding the national championship trophy after the game.
“It was a great feeling,” he said. “I really can’t explain it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to play at this level. And of course, it was cool to play on national television and ESPN 2. It’s great, because North Dakota State is a great school.”
After the game, Murphy was flooded with calls and text from friends and family members, he said.
“Everyone was calling and saying congrats,” he said. “Coach (Tod) Thatcher called and said ‘we are all so proud of you.’ It’s great to hear that.”
As a sophomore, Murphy will have two more chances to win another national championship with the Bison. He expects to work even harder for the next one.
“We want to make sure this isn’t a one-time thing,” he said. “We are just going to get back to work and work harder.”
He continued, “It’s a great feeling and we are going to work incredibly hard in the offseason.”
For now, the team and Murphy will bask in the championship.
“It’s a feeling that you can’t describe,” he said.
Murphy ended the year playing in all 15 games. He recorded one solo tackle and two assisted tackles throughout the season.
