NDSU vs Minnesota -- Thoughts?

[UNI MadCat]

I know theres really only one game that matters to us on Saturday. But, if you could back away for a second... what are your thoughts on NDSU @ the Metrodump this weekend?

As most will recall, the Bison gave the bowl-bound Gophers all they could handle last year in a 10-9 loss (blocked FG at the end and had an xpt missed earlier). Signs would say the Bison are poised for the "upset" this year with an even better team than last year, facing a Gopher team that frankly just stinks.

Part of me wants to root for the little guy. Its pretty awesome that they are expecting 20-25,000 NDSU fans in the Dome this weekend.

On the other hand, I know that if NDSU goes through the season undefeated, no matter what happens in the playoffs, people will say that the best team didn't take the field. Now even with a loss to the Gophers, this statement still holds some water. However, a NDSU loss and a UNI win puts us that much closer to being #1 in both polls (and regardless of if its us or Montana, the #1 team wont be a non-playoff team).

So who you got?? Want to see the Bison pull it off?

[Chitown Panther]

The gophers better be ready.....

[Panther-Sheik]

Go NDSU in my book.

[speechpanther]

Gotta cheer for the long-term good of the division. Go Bison.

[JayJ79]

On the other hand, I know that if NDSU goes through the season undefeated, no matter what happens in the playoffs, people will say that the best team didn't take the field. Now even with a loss to the Gophers, this statement still holds some water. However, a NDSU loss and a UNI win puts us that much closer to being #1 in both polls (and regardless of if its us or Montana, the #1 team wont be a non-playoff team).

I don't care who it is, I always cheer for a FCS team to beat a FBS team, ESPECIALLY a BCS-conference team. I even cheered for Appy State in their Michigan game, and I HATE the mountaineers. heh.

Like you said, regardless of the outcome of that game, there will be people wondering how NDSU compares will compare with the playoff teams. that's inevitable.

So I say cheer for the Bison.

[GonzoCat]

NDSU by 9.

[NorthernIowaBacker]

NDSU by 11.

[Panther-Sheik]

Its pretty awesome that they are expecting 20-25,000 NDSU fans in the Dome this weekend.

I wish UNI could get Minnesota on the schedule! Wouldn't get 20,000, I'm sure, but how cool would that be to storm the Metrodome with a loud and proud purple and gold team that knows how to WIN??!!

[UNI MadCat]

I wish UNI could get Minnesota on the schedule! Wouldn't get 20,000, I'm sure, but how cool would that be to storm the Metrodome with a loud and proud purple and gold team that knows how to WIN??!!

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't there some talk about this happening next year? I know Minny ended up filling out their schedule but I wonder how close this was to being a reality? I hear ya, that would have been cool.

Sometime in my existence up here, I want them to play in either football or basketball.

I agree there wouldn't be 20,000 but I would think 5,000 would be attainable. The TCs provide so much entertainment value and we have such a huge alumni base up here anyway!

[Panther-Sheik]

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't there some talk about this happening next year? I know Minny ended up filling out their schedule but I wonder how close this was to being a reality? I hear ya, that would have been cool.

Sometime in my existence up here, I want them to play in either football or basketball.

I agree there wouldn't be 20,000 but I would think 5,000 would be attainable. The TCs provide so much entertainment value and we have such a huge alumni base up here anyway!

Yeah...it is close enough to C.F. and DesMoines to get there easy, but there is enough to do in MSP to make a weekend of it for families and students. I think we could get easily 5K...maybe closer to 10K (might be wishful thinking). How many did we end up with at ISU this year?

[Mountain Panther]

With all the hype, I doubt U of M will overlook them.

I expect the game will be decided by no more than 3 points.

[BisonBacker]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the support for NDSU against the Gophers. I'm leaving at 5am with 5 others and am looking forward to a great game. Regarding UNI possibly getting on the gophers schedule in the future. That's a very strong possibility. I was at Team Makers yesterday and our AD spoke. He said he talked to Maturi (AD for the Minnesota) and even though Brewster has made it clear he doesn't care to play FCS teams Maturi told our AD that Minnesota would have a regional FCS team on their schedule every year. So SDSU is on for next year and Montana State in 09 but I suspect NDSU will be seen either in the Dome or their new stadium in the future. Especially when we bring between 20-25k and likely to be the biggest draw right next to Wisconsin, Iowa or Ohio. I think your AD has probably already talked to him and if not it's just a matter of time. Anyway I'm just wrapping things up for the evening and getting ready to hit the sack early. 4AM will be here soon enough and I don't know how much I will be sleeping tonight anyway. I can't wait to see our guys get some payback for last year.
Join us over at www.bisonsports.net to say hello, hopefully tomorrow at this time we will be celebrating a Bison (FCS) WIN.....

[Panther-Sheik]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the support for NDSU against the Gophers. I'm leaving at 5am with 5 others and am looking forward to a great game. Regarding UNI possibly getting on the gophers schedule in the future. That's a very strong possibility. I was at Team Makers yesterday and our AD spoke. He said he talked to Maturi (AD for the Minnesota) and even though Brewster has made it clear he doesn't care to play FCS teams Maturi told our AD that Minnesota would have a regional FCS team on their schedule every year. So SDSU is on for next year and Montana State in 09 but I suspect NDSU will be seen either in the Dome or their new stadium in the future. Especially when we bring between 20-25k and likely to be the biggest draw right next to Wisconsin, Iowa or Ohio. I think your AD has probably already talked to him and if not it's just a matter of time. Anyway I'm just wrapping things up for the evening and getting ready to hit the sack early. 4AM will be here soon enough and I don't know how much I will be sleeping tonight anyway. I can't wait to see our guys get some payback for last year.
Join us over at www.bisonsports.net to say hello, hopefully tomorrow at this time we will be celebrating a Bison (FCS) WIN.....

Good luck BB and to your Bison. It would be great to see another FCS victory over a BCS school. I think we look forward to having you in the Gateway next year Speaking of playing Minnesota etc., how cool would it be to see a contract between the Big 10 and the Gateway to play the first or second game of the season against each other...rotating schools every year? Never happen, I'm sure, but it would be a good fan draw and would be a cool 1A / 1AA anual rivalry to look forward to...kind of like how the Big 10 and the ACC have their basketball "challenge".

[TravelingPanther]

Go Bison! Take em down!

[Newsbreaker]

If NDSU beats the gold goofers today, do they have the best argument for #1?