There’s a real chance this is a showdown of eventual conference champions, and it’s only Week 0.
Finally, North Dakota State moves up to the FBS ranks after years of dominating the FCS. Will it be able to continue to thrive and keep rolling like it’s business as usual? If so, it has everything in place to be deep in the Mountain West title chase.
Jacksonville State has played in the last two Conference USA championships after making the move up in weight class in 2023. It’s good enough to get back to the conference title game.
- Jacksonville State is 2-1 all-time against North Dakota State, but that one Bison win was pretty big. NDSU beat the Gamecocks in the 2015 FCS National Championship 37-10.
- Jacksonville State doesn’t face any Power Four programs this season, but in a few weeks, it has to face an Ohio team that has a real shot to win the MAC.
- North Dakota State needs this win and has to beat Fordham next week, with six of the last ten games on the road.
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Game Time: 5:30 pm ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Location: Fargodome, Fargo, ND
– CFN Week 0 Schedule, Predictions
The machine isn’t stopping.
One of the best running games in the nation might have lost star back Cam Cook to West Virginia, but the offensive line is still strong, quarterback Caden Creel is a good veteran who can move, and it’s the system as much as it is the talent.
North Dakota State’s defense should be good, but it lost a few key parts up front, including pass rusher Toby Anene to Colorado and linebackers Logan Copp and Nathaniel Staehling.
– Jacksonville State 2026 Preview
The Bison backfield of running back Barry Kpeenu and quarterback Cole Payton is gone, but the offensive line will be among the best in the Mountain West, and despite the loss of a few key players, the defense will still be fantastic.
No, Jacksonville State won’t care much about controlling the clock, but it’ll be a problem as the game rolls on. North Dakota State will have the ball for close to 35 minutes against an almost brand-new Gamecock defensive front.
– North Dakota State 2026 Preview
It’s North Dakota State playing as an FBS team in the Fargodome. There’s no way it’s not coming up with one of the best performances in Week 0 in front of a jacked-up crowd.
The Jacksonville State offense will have its moments, and the Bison will be a tad rocky at times, but … no. This is NDSU’s big debut, and it’ll play like it.
North Dakota State 37, Jacksonville State 20
Latest Consensus Line: North Dakota State -7, o/u: 46.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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