just looking at recent and semi-recent Gopher history. How many rushing attempts did Mitch Leidner average? He was an effective running QB and battled injuries for much of his career. I held my breath every time Tanner Morgan got hit by big D linemen from Penn State, Auburn, etc. this season.
Picture NDSU playing the Gopher's schedule this season and factor 16 QB rushing attempts in per game and ask yourself how long would a QB like that last in the B1G? An off-season-long build up to a super bowl of sorts (like NDSU is already doing with their game against Oregon next season) is one thing. Facing it week in and week out is quite another. And, that doesn't mean NDSU is bad, wrong, etc. There is a reason why there is a scholarship disparity between FBS and FCS. It is two different divisions for a reason, and it is what it is (regardless of what the drunk guy in the green sweatshirt at the end of the bar says about how many games NDSU would win in the Big 12).