Game Of The Week.... Portland State (0-1) at UC Davis (0-1)
Can you feel it? Can you sense it? Lately I've felt a lot of Division II paranoia from my Bison fan brothers. I do and don't understand their feeling. I understand everyone's feeling of leaving Division II football behind, but I don't understand why these same Bison fans unwittingly cast a shadow over NDSU's own NCAA Division II legacy. Division II football isn't good football? Should we be ashamed by all our Division II National Championships? I think not... So then what is wrong with having a Division II opponent on the Bison schedule? After checking DI-AA schedules from around the country, there are more than a handful of DI-AA programs playing DII football teams this year. It's NOT a new thing. For instance, the same team, West Chester, who played the institution up north last weekend also is scheduled to play a "Big Dog" in DI-AA football, Delaware, in a couple weeks. So relax. It's okay. Take a deep breath. The Bison playing Arkansas-Monticello this past Thursday is not a disgrace to the Bison program. Nobody is laughing. Just remember that NDSU has everything to lose by playing a Division II opponent and only experience for the younger Bison players to gain. We don't have to worry about not making the playoffs because we played the Boll Weevils…. Personally, I felt good after Thursday nights' game, knowing that the Bison (not even close to playing their best) can crush a Division II team and are well on their way to building a new tradition in DI-AA football...
Portland State-UC Davis? Game of the Week? Heck ya!! Both Portland State and UC Davis are middle of the pack in their respective Big Sky and Great West Conferences... So the test begins… Which conference will be the 'Big Cheese' this year? An argument can me made for the Great West 'ruling the roost' last year, but a new season brings a new respect. Great West teams will no longer sneak up on Big Sky teams (They know what's coming). UC Davis has home field, speed, and defense advantages. Portland State has the offense and special teams advantages, plus an important intangible. The psychological edge... of course, being the Vikings. Portland State 21, UC Davis 17
The Truth is.... North Dakota State (1-0) at Northwestern State (1-0)
My gosh…. This game for the Bison will set the stage for the rest of the season. Just how good are the Bison? How fast will the Bison youngsters mature? The Bison will see plenty of Demon speed this Saturday... speed... speed and more speed. Did I mention speed? The 2004 Demon defense was ranked number one in the nation in total defense, but did suffer the loss of two linebackers to graduation. Even though the Bison defense is good, the edge on defense has to go to the Purple Swarm. The Edge on offense and special teams definitely goes to the Bison. Home field advantage goes to Northwestern State. Some people think that the heat and humidity might affect the Bison players, but those people haven't felt the heat and humidity in the Midwest this past August. Plus it's football, everybody gets tired... So... It's time for the Bison to knock down the door to the DI-AA country club... North Dakota State 34, Northwestern State 31
My Other Winners.... (2005 Record: 12-2)
Cal Poly 28, Sacramento State 24
Texas State 38, Southern Utah 34
Western Illinois 31, Northern Colorado 24
South Dakota State 49, Valparaiso 13
#8 Southern Illinois 52, Union 3
Oregon 42, #2 Montana 28
#13 Northern Iowa 37, Minnesota-Duluth 14
Fresno State 36, Weber State 18
#20 Montana State 28, Stephen F. Austin 21 Upset special:
Eastern Kentucky 31, #4 Western Kentucky 28
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