No Bye? No Problem; Bison Feeling Confident Heading Into FCS Playoffs

NORTH DAKOTA STATE PLAYS DRAKE SATURDAY AT THE FARGODOME

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota State takes on Drake this weekend at the Fargodome for Round 1 of the FCS Playoffs. While the post season is nothing new for the Bison, this is the first time they have not had a first round bye since 2010.  The last time North Dakota State faced the Drake Bulldogs was their 2022 season opener. The Bison won that game 56 to 14. Saturday’s contest looks to be a much greater challenge however. Drake comes in with an eight game win streak. While this is the first time the Bison haven’t had a first round bye in over ten years, the team feels they’re playing their best football at the right time and is coming into the Dome with a chip on their shoulders this Saturday.

“Really excited about opportunity to be in the post season and looking forward to getting back to practice and doing whatever is necessary to find a way to get another win in the dome. I know our veterans are super excited to have another game in the dome,” said head coach, Matt Entz.

“A lot of teams that aren’t fortunate enough to play right now so every team who is playing this weekend, they’re going to give you their best look possible so we’re no different than anyone else,” said senior safety, Cole Wisniewski.

“There is a big chip on our shoulder and I know spending Thanksgiving Dinner as a team is going to be special. I haven’t been able to do that with my teammates so that is going to be fun and yeah, just huge chip on our shoulder… Very special to get another opportunity in the Fargodome. Every opportunity you have in that place is special and obviously the fans always come out for a great atmosphere,” said senior linebacker and team captain, Luke Weerts.