Nov. 16, 2007

Somewhere between Oregon and Mexico - Conference Game of the Year #2 North Dakota State (10-0) at South Dakota State (6-4) The Bison and Jacks meet for the Dakota Marker on the line, but more importantly the Great West conference title up for grabs before each team exits for the Gateway. The game marks the 94th time the teams have met with the Bison holding a 51-37-5 advantage.

The Roundtable says:

Jeff Kolpack (7-2) "This is an easy pick ... whatever. Looks to be NDSU's year to remember with all the bizarre endings I've seen. NDSU 21, SDSU 14."

Kent Schmidt (6-1) "I don't think the Bison will lose on this magical season to be denied an undefeated record. I like NDSU by ten in a rather high scoring affair. NDSU 44 SDSU 34"

Terry Vandrovec (7-2) "Due in part to the location, this is an absolute toss-up. In the interest of keeping things interesting, I will avoid chalk: SDSU 29, NDSU 28.

The Bottom Line: The only thing that could make this game more important is if there was a playoff birth on the line - but for both teams this is their playoff game. For the Bison to win, they need to keep doing what they do every week. The Jacks on the other hand have to play better defense and show an ability to slow the Bison. And if they get the lead no matter how late in the game it may be - don't sit on it! Don't get conservative because the Bison will burn you if you give them a chance to win the game. Just like last week this game I believe this will be a one score game when the clock hits zero. I love the Jacks chances to upend the Bison because this game is in Brookings (where the Jacks have won four of the last six) and they have an offense that can score with NDSU. But the difference in this game is Steve Walker. You think there is any chance I'm betting against a guy that thwarted two upset bids by Sam Houston State and Cal Poly by scoring touchdowns in the final minute of the game going basically the length of the field? No way. I have been on the Jacks bandwagon since about week three, but this week they're running up against the team I truly believe is the #1 group in all of the FCS. The problem is the Jacks aren't appropriately ranked in terms of how they've been playing. I think their top 15 if not higher and playing at home they'll give the Bison all they candle before falling in the final quarter. North Dakota State 31 South Dakota State 28

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