FCS
North Dakota State at South Dakota: North Dakota State looks to shake off its 31-28 “upset” loss to the Arizona Wildcats of the Pac-12 by visiting South Dakota at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion.
It’s the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener for the No. 1-ranked Bison (2-1) and they’ll be the overwhelming favorite against a 1-2 USD team. Prediction: NDSU will start a little slower than normal but will take out some frustration on the Coyotes late for their sixth straight win in the series. NDSU 38, USD 10. Where: Dakota Dome, Vermillion, S.D. Kickoff: 1 p.m. CT / Noon MT. TV: Statewide ABC network. Radio: Affiliate Listing. Game Notes
University of North Dakota at Southern Illinois: With the MVFC basically the SEC of the FCS, every game on the schedule of teams with clear playoff aspirations can be described as crucial and often a toss-up. This is definitely the case when No. 19 UND visits the No. 24 Salukis (1-2), who are coming off a massive 31-24 victory at FBS Northwestern last Saturday. UND QB Tommy Schuster led the Hawks (2-1) to a 27-24 come-from-behind win over Northern Arizona on the road last week. Prediction: This one goes back and forth until late when Southern Illinois pulls away. Southern Illinois 34, UND 28. Where: Saluki Stadium, Carbondale, Ill. Kickoff: 2 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. MT. TV: Midco Sports Two. Radio: Affiliate Listing. Game Notes
NCAA Division II
University of Mary at Minnesota State-Mankato: The Marauders (0-3) will visit a Mavericks (2-1) team looking to shake off a 23-22 loss to Northern State last Saturday. That loss dropped Minnesota State eight spots to No. 23 in D2 Coaches Poll. Prediction: The Marauders have never defeated Minnesota State – and don’t look for that to change. Minnesota State 49, U-Mary 17. Where: Blakeslee Stadium, Mankato, Minn. Kickoff: 2 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. MT. TV: NSIC Network. Radio: KFYR, 550 AM.
Minot State at Southwest Minnesota State: The Beavers (0-3) will travel to face a Mustangs (2-1) team that is coming off a 31-28 road win at U-Mary. Minot State has struggled offensively this season, scoring just two touchdowns in three games. They’re coming off a 49-10 loss at home against Wayne State. Prediction: SMSU is the more well-rounded team and it’ll show early and often. Southwest Minnesota State 42, Minot State 13. Where: Mattke Field, Marshall, Minn. Kickoff: 5 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. MT. TV: NSIC Network. Radio: KRRZ, 1390 AM.
NAIA
Mayville State at Dickinson State: Don’t look now, but the Comets are 3-1! What does that mean against a DSU team they last defeated in 2011 and have lost to 13 straight times? Maybe not a lot. The Blue Hawks’ (1-2) losses were against far more talented opponents than Mayville State has faced. But that doesn’t mean DSU should take this version of the Comets lightly. They’re putting up big numbers offensively and don’t look to be one of those teams DSU would dispatch of with ease in many past years. Also keep in mind, this is the first of two meetings between the teams this season – this one being a nonconference game not counted toward the North Star Athletic Association standings. Prediction: This one is tighter than expected and DSU pulls away at the second half. Dickinson State 41, Mayville State 27. Where: Biesiot Activities Center, Dickinson. Kickoff: 2 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. MT. TV: YouTube. Radio: KDIX, 1230 AM (DSU). Game Notes
Jamestown at Midland: After winning its first two games of the season, Jamestown has taken a step back, losing two in a row – including last week’s 48-3 league loss to No. 4 Northwestern College (Iowa). Now the Jimmies must hit the road to face unbeaten Great Plains Athletic Conference foe Midland, which is 4-0 and ranked No. 23 in the NAIA. The Warriors are limiting opponents to just 8.3 points per game so far. Prediction: Midland stays unbeaten, but not without a fight from the Jimmies. Midland 23, Jamestown 13. Where: Heedum Field, Fremont, Neb. Kickoff: 1 p.m. CT / Noon MT. TV: Midland Website. Radio: KQDJ, 1400 AM.
Valley City State at Presentation College: After two close losses to start the year, the Vikings (0-3) were thumped by Dickinson State last week. They now face a Presentation (1-2) squad in a nonconference game between the North Star teams. Valley City State has dominated the series since the two began playing and have won nine of the last 10 meetings. Prediction: That’s not going to change this time as the Vikings get in the win column. Valley City State 28, Presentation 17. Where: Aberdeen, S.D. Kickoff: 7 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. MT. TV: Presentation Website. Radio: KOVC, 1490 AM.
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