Carson Wentz threw for 1,454 yards and accounted for 20 touchdowns in seven games this season.

FRISCO, Texas -- North Dakota State senior Carson Wentz will start at quarterback in the FCS championship against Jacksonville State, the school announced Friday.

"Throughout the process of getting Carson enough snaps and ready to play, we came to the conclusion that he's going to be the guy that takes the first snap under center." NDSU coach Chris Klieman said.

Wentz missed the past eight games with a wrist injury. But about two weeks ago, Wentz said he really started to push the envelope in practice to get back to full strength. And on Monday, Wentz said he was fully cleared after a final CT scan.

"It's been a long, frustrating process, to say the least," Wentz said. "I'm excited to get another opportunity to play with these guys."

In his second season as a starter, Carson threw for 1,454 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns in six games before going down with an injury against South Dakota on Oct. 17. Wentz also rushed for 215 yards and four touchdowns over that span.

"For me it's almost got that first-game feel," Wentz said. "It feels like I've been out for a whole year and it's kind of a short one-game season for me."

Over the course of his career at NDSU, Wentz has thrown for 4,918 yards and 44 touchdowns, as well as 949 rushing yards and 41 rushing scores.

North Dakota State will play for its fifth straight FCS title Saturday morning at 11 a.m. agaisnt Jacksonville State, who will be playing for its first ever Division I football championship.

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