FARGO — Bison Football's Journey

In an exciting turn of events over the weekend, North Dakota State University (NDSU) faced disappointment on the field but celebrated a significant victory off of it. The Bison football team, despite suffering a last-minute defeat to South Dakota, were awarded the No. 2 seed for the Division I FCS playoffs, announced on Sunday via ESPNU.

This noteworthy seed allows the Bison to host playoff games at home, provided they progress past the semifinals. Montana State, who finished the regular season undefeated, earned the top seed in the tournament, while South Dakota State and South Dakota claimed the third and fourth seeds, respectively.

The Road Ahead

The NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee revealed the 24-team playoff field on Sunday morning. NDSU has been granted a first-round bye and will face the winner of the matchup between Northern Arizona and the 15th-seeded Abilene Christian (Texas) on Saturday, December 7, at 2 p.m. This will be a monumental moment as Abilene makes its inaugural appearance in the FCS playoffs after moving up from Division II in 2013.

“We’re focused on the first round, and then we’ll take it one game at a time,” Abilene head coach Keith Patterson stated during the selection show, highlighting a strategic approach to their playoff run.

Reflections on the Season

In a twist of fate, the Bison’s recent loss — a painful 29-28 heartbreaker to South Dakota where they squandered a two-score lead — likely influenced the committee's decisions regarding the top seeds. NDSU’s quarterback, Cam Miller, expressed the team’s sentiments post-game: “Frustrated, upset, but hungry. We’re starting a new season now, and we must learn and improve.”

The selection committee faced a challenge with the top seeds after NDSU and South Dakota State both had strong 10-2 records, and South Dakota boasted a commendable 9-2 mark. Coach Tim Polasek remained optimistic despite the recent setback, noting, “The good news is we have more football to play, and we’re aiming to win it all.”

NCAA Playoff Changes

This year marks a change in the NCAA’s playoff structure, as they have seeded teams 1-16, replacing the previous top-eight system. The first eight teams still receive a coveted first-round bye, intended to enrich the competitive landscape of the playoffs.

Selection Committee Dynamics

NDSU’s athletic director, Matt Larsen, who chairs the playoff committee, had to recuse himself from discussions regarding his own team’s placement, adding an intriguing layer to the selection process. The final bracket wasn’t solidified until the early hours of Sunday morning, highlighting the intensity and deliberation that went into these decisions.

Looking Ahead to the Championship

Looking ahead, the championship game is scheduled for January 6 in Frisco, Texas, where both NDSU and South Dakota State have historically dominated, collectively claiming 12 titles in the past 13 years. The Jackrabbits of South Dakota State currently hold the title as the two-time defending champions.

Other Teams in the Playoffs

As for the other playoff teams, the seeds from 9 to 16 include Richmond, Rhode Island, Villanova, Illinois State, Tarleton State (Texas), Montana, Abilene Christian, and New Hampshire in that order. South Dakota State will take on the winner of Tennessee State versus Montana, while Illinois State faces Southeast Missouri State in a road game due to scheduling conflicts at their home stadium.

Anticipation for the Bison Game

In the words of Montana State coach Brent Vigen, “Having home games in December significantly enhances your chances,” a sentiment echoed by many players and fans as anticipation builds.

Tickets for the highly-anticipated Bison game will go on sale Sunday at 3 p.m., with prices set at $45 for sideline seating, $35 for end zone tickets, and a reduced rate of $7 for students. Current season ticket holders have until December 3 to secure their seating, ensuring they don’t miss out on the playoff action.

A New Quest Begins

As the playoffs approach, excitement is palpable, with hopes high as NDSU prepares to embark on their quest for another championship title! Get ready for an unforgettable playoff season!