FARGO – It's been eight games without a loss for North Dakota State starting quarterback Easton Stick, and certainly one more victory is the primary goal for any of the Bison players. But goal 1A for Stick?

Perhaps getting senior Carson Wentz one more game behind center.

"One of the personal goals I've had is to do everything I can that if he had one more opportunity to play, he would get that opportunity," Stick said, "and to get on the field and play one more time. We're just trying to win the next one and that's what it comes down to as a team." Stick is 8-0 after taking over for Wentz after the NDSU two-year captain went down with a broken wrist against the University of South Dakota. There is no word if Wentz will return for the NCAA Division I FCS national title game Jan. 9 against Jacksonville State (Ala.), but until an official word comes from the Bison coaching staff, the presumption is Stick will get the call.

For the record, Stick said no decision has been made.

Wentz has yet to dress for a Bison game since the injury, although he started throwing before the quarterfinal win over Northern Iowa. Practiced is closed to the public and media so nobody except those in the Bison camp really knows if Wentz has been practicing at full speed.

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Stick said Wentz "has been progressing and if he's able to play I hope he plays. If he's able to help us, I hope he helps us."

Stick has in all reality had just one shaky half, and that was his first two quarters in his first game at Indiana State. He's completed 95 of 145 passes for 62 percent, with an impressive ratio of 13 touchdowns to three interceptions.

Initially more of a running quarterback, he's adapted more and more into the throwing game.

"We're just going about our business, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can," Stick said. "It's been a crazy experience; a whirlwind the last 10 weeks or so. It's been fun, it's gone fast, and I'm excited for one more opportunity."

The redshirt freshman initially won the backup job in a heated battle with sophomore Cole Davis, a competition that started in last spring football and lasted into fall camp. Since the Wentz injury, he said it's been a team effort in communication between the Bison coaching staff and Wentz, who has been a student-assistant coach of sorts and mentor to Stick.

"I've personally received a ton of support," Stick said. "The guys have rallied around me the last 10 weeks ... since we played Indiana State. We've just tried to grow as a team and get better ever since. It's how the culture is around here."