The play began like any other: a normal kick-off to start the second half of a 2016 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff game between the University of San Diego and perennial power North Dakota State.
The Bison’s return man, Bruce Anderson, caught the ball at his own three yard line, charging into the teeth of the Toreros’ special teams group before being tackled after a modest gain. Players on both sides patted each other on the back and jogged back to their respective sidelines.
That is, except one. Torero linebacker Fia Malepeai was still face down, lying uncomfortably still.