NDSU Calls FargoDome Stripe Out for Aug. 29 Season Opener

Q: After an early tie, what adjustments sparked NDSU to score 26 unanswered points in their FBS opener?

NDSU’s surge came from winning the line of scrimmage, tightening up defensively, and flipping momentum just before halftime. After Jacksonville State tied it 7-7, the Bison settled in with a long, clock-draining 14-play drive that ended in a Drew Klein field goal, then delivered the key swing late in the half. Jacksonville State had a chance to tie after an interception, but NDSU stopped the Gamecocks on fourth-and-1 at the 12. The Bison then raced 88 yards in 1:24, with Nathan Hayes hitting Jordan McCants for a 44-yard touchdown and a 17-7 halftime lead. From there, NDSU’s defense took over. The Bison held Jacksonville State to 170 total yards, just 85 rushing yards, and 2-of-10 on third downs while controlling possession for more than 36 minutes. A second-half interception set up another Klein field goal, and moments later a botched Jacksonville State snap was recovered in the end zone by defensive end Blake Schiltz for a touchdown, turning a competitive game into a rout. Hayes’ efficient passing, especially the explosive strike before halftime, combined with NDSU’s ability to bottle up Jacksonville State’s run game and force mistakes, sparked the 26 unanswered points in the program’s FBS opener.

2 articles · Updated · KVLY · Aug 29

NDSU asked fans to wear green or gold by section for the Aug. 29 season opener against Jacksonville State at the FargoDome.
A stripe-out map released through the NDSU Foundation shows which color each seating section should wear.
The game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., with the coordinated crowd display aimed at boosting support for the Bison in their opener.