A split image showing the ND State Bison logo and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks logo facing each other against a background of a roaring, passionate college crowd in a stadium at night.
ND State vs North Dakota: The Historic Rivalry
The football rivalry between North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the University of North Dakota (UND) represents one of the most intense and storied competitions in college football, particularly within the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This in-state battle, often referred to simply as "ND State vs North Dakota," has deep historical roots and significant implications for both programs.
Historical Context
The rivalry dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest continuous football rivalries in the nation. The two institutions have met over 100 times on the gridiron, with the competition intensifying as both programs have established themselves as FCS powerhouses in recent decades.
Program Distinctions
North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison
- Location: Fargo, North Dakota
- Nickname: Bison
- Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
- Colors: Green and Gold
- Notable: Multiple FCS National Championships
- Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Nickname: Fighting Hawks (formerly Fighting Sioux)
- Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
- Colors: Green, White, and Black
- Notable: Strong FCS program with conference championships
- FargoDome (NDSU) in Fargo
- Alerus Center (UND) in Grand Forks
University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Recent Competitive Landscape
In recent years, the rivalry has gained national attention as both programs have achieved significant success at the FCS level. NDSU established itself as an FCS dynasty with multiple national championships, while UND has built a competitive program capable of challenging the Bison's dominance.
The games are typically hard-fought, physical contests that often have implications for conference standings and FCS playoff positioning. The intensity of the rivalry is amplified by the proximity of the two campuses (approximately 75 miles apart) and the shared state pride at stake.
Venue Rotation
The annual matchup alternates between the two campuses:
Both venues regularly sell out for this rivalry game, creating electric atmospheres that showcase the passion of North Dakota football fans.
Beyond Football
While the football rivalry captures the most attention, the competition extends across all sports between the two institutions. The annual "Nickel Trophy" series tracks overall athletic performance between the schools, adding another layer to the comprehensive rivalry.
The ND State vs North Dakota rivalry represents more than just football—it embodies state pride, institutional identity, and the competitive spirit that defines college athletics at its best. Each meeting between these two programs carries the weight of history while writing new chapters in one of college football's most compelling regional rivalries.
The prompt for this was: nd state vs north dakota
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