Bison Hoping to Bounce Back After Loss to SDSU

For the first time this season, NDSU Football enters a game week off a loss.

The Bison fell just short against South Dakota State this past Saturday.

Now the team starts a stretch of back to back road games.

If there’s one thing we learned from the Bison’s battle with the Jackrabbits, it’s that life in the Missouri Valley is unpredictable and tough.

And for NDSU, it doesn’t any easier.

SDSU scored in the closing seconds Saturday to stun about 19,000 fans and hand the herd its first loss since a defeat to South Dakota last year.

Now, NDSU will battle another team that won in the final seconds Saturday.

Western Illinois needed that touchdown to secure a 38-35 win on the road at Missouri State.

The Leathernecks are 5-1 on the year, and Bison coach Chris Klieman says it starts with the program.

“I think Western has tremendous tradition, dating way back to when (former Head Coach Bruce) Craddock was there,” said Coach Klieman. “And I was there at one time as well. Football’s important at Western, and it will be a tough challenge for us. We’ll have to get outside this week, practice in the elements and get our guys ready to play.”

Western is coached by Charlie Fisher, he was the offensive coordinator of Richmond last season.

If you remember, the Spiders played at the Fargodome in the FCS semis.