By Jay Berry
Will we see another North Dakota State upset over an FBS team?
The Bison open their season on the road Thursday night against the Colorado Buffaloes.
Giant Slayer
NDSU had won six straight games against FBS teams before a 31-28 loss at Arizona in 2022.
The winning streak began with a 6-3 victory at Kansas in 2010. They went on to defeat Minnesota (37-24 in 2011), Colorado State (22-7 in 2012), Kansas State (24-21 in 2013), Iowa State (34-14 in 2014), and No. 13-ranked Iowa (23-21 in 2016), all away games.
Colorado has a chip on its shoulder and wants to prove people wrong this year—not only after a 4-win 2023 season but also after all the noise and drama this offseason.
All the self-made hype won’t matter if they lose their season opener against an FCS opponent. Oh, don’t get me wrong. The noise will still be there, and not in a good way.
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As I write this, Colorado is a 10-point favorite.
Can NDSU Upset Prime and The Buffaloes?
Last year, NDSU finished with an 11-4 record before losing in the FCS semifinals. Although the team has a lot of talent returning from last season, it also lost a few key players.
Three starters on the offensive line graduated: left tackle Jalen Sundell, right guard Jake Kubas, and center Brandon Westberg. However, senior Grey Zabel, who started the final ten games of 2023 at right tackle, will be returning. He will be joined by Mason Miller, a fifth-year senior with 26 career starts. Offensive line coach Dan Larson will have the unit ready for the upcoming season.
Jalen Sundell has been invited to this weekend's #NFLCombine, the fourth straight year for a Bison offensive lineman and the 10th time in 11 years NDSU has been represented. Good luck, Jalen! 🦬 pic.twitter.com/5MJsKFZS0w
— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) March 1, 2024
Cam Miller and Cole Payton were an impressive quarterback duo last season helping the Bison average 237.3 yards per game on the ground. The team heavily relies on their quarterback play and the offensive line for success.
Veterans lead the team’s defense, with the top four tacklers returning from last year. If the Bison can create turnovers against Colorado and win the field position game, they will be competitive and give themselves a chance to win.
The Bison finished third in the final FCS poll in 2023 and are opening this season ranked second.
