The Pregame
Heading to the game Saturday? Join us for a pregame tailgate from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Fargo Air Museum just north of the Fargodome. Parking is available in surrounding parking lots. Tailgating is free to attend, but a small donation to the Fargo Air Museum is appreciated. The address is 1609 19^th Ave N in Fargo.
 
The Game
South Dakota and second-ranked North Dakota State kickoff at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener for both teams. It is homecoming for the Bison, who have yet to play a true road game this season. South Dakota is shooting for its first win in the series since a 24-21 victory in Fargo back in 2015.
 
The Coyotes
South Dakota (2-1) has bounced back from a season-opening loss at the SEC's Missouri by earning convincing wins against St. Thomas and Lamar. The Coyotes outscored those two teams 59-6, sacked them 11 times, and limited them to 440 yards of total offense. South Dakota ran for 305 yards against Lamar, getting 100-yard rushing efforts from Nate Thomas (164) and Travis Theis (120) in the process.
 
Defensively, USD has received solid play at all three levels. Brendan Webb, Nick Gaes and Micah Roane have combined for 10.5 of the units' 12 sacks. Preseason all-American linebacker Brock Mogensen and Stephen Hillis are among the team's top tacklers. Cornerback Myles Harden has forced two turnovers. Safety Dennis Shorter leads USD with 21 tackles.
 
The Bison
North Dakota State (3-0) is the defending national runner-up. They are led by a pair of quarterbacks who have combined for 13 touchdowns – nine on the ground – through three games. Cam Miller is the veteran. Cole Payton rotates in and is the leading rusher for a team that averages 278 yards rushing per game. The Bison's lead back is TaMerik Williams who is on the preseason list for the Walter Payton Award.
 
Defensively, senior safety Cole Wisniewski has three interceptions and leads the Bison with 20 tackles. NDSU has a 7-0 edge in turnovers this season. Special teams are solid as well with punter Kaedin Steindorf and kicker Griffin Crosa.
 
One Last Thing
South Dakota has won four of its last six MVFC openers despite opening on the road in six of Bob Nielson's eight seasons. North Dakota State has won 12 consecutive Valley openers dating back to 2010.