Georgia Southern vs. North Dakota St. score: Eagles lead at halftime, 13-9

The Georgia Southern Eagles are two quarters away from playing in the FCS championship game. Georgia Southern leads North Dakota State, 13-9, at halftime of their semifinal contest.

Quarterback Jerick McKinnon led the Eagles' (10-3) option attack in the first 30 minutes, rushing 16 times for 72 yards and completing one pass for a 49-yard touchdown. JJ Wilcox opened the scoring four Georgia Southern with a four-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 in the first quarter, but Alex Hanks' extra point attempt was blocked.

After the Eagles' first score, the Bison (12-1) answered with a one-yard touchdown plunge from John Crockett, but Adam Keller's extra point was also blocked. Keller connected on a 36-yard field goal late in the half to pull North Dakota State within four at halftime. Crockett led the Bison with 44 yards on 10 carries in the first half. Quarterback Brock Jensen was 7 of 14 for 63 yards.

The winner of the Eagles-Bison contest will meet the winner of Sam Houston State vs. Eastern Washington in the title game. The Bearkats and Eagles kickoff Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.