North Dakota State vs South Dakota State Betting Preview
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the 120th edition of the Dakota Marker.
The North Dakota State Bison (6-2) face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (8-0), with both teams jockeying for position in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Jackrabbits have won four straight against the Bison since 2021. But now, both teams are among the most dominant in the conference.
Buckle up. This game has all the makings of a barn burner, especially with the emotion involved.
Let's dive in and see if we can find any betting value on this historic North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State matchup.
North Dakota State Bison
The Bison have enjoyed an excellent season, but most of their dominance came outside of conference play. They have managed just a 3-2 record in the Missouri Valley, although they're on a two-game winning streak.
Their most recent game came against Murray State, where the Bison fired on all cylinders, winning 38-6.
The Bison were placed No. 10 in the most recent FCS Coaches Poll, so there's much to like.
North Dakota State has some firepower offensively, led by quarterback Cam Miller, who has racked up 1,411 passing yards and ten touchdowns with only two picks. He's supported by top receiver Zach Mathis, who has accounted for over a third of Miller's yardage this season.
If North Dakota St. wants to get a win against the powerhouse Jackrabbits, they're going to need to get TaMerik Williams and the run game going.
Defensively, the Bison are also solid, led by Cole Wisniewski, who has 33 tackles and four interceptions this year.
Despite all the positive things about North Dakota St., they still aren't up on par with the Jackrabbits.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
South Dakota State is the best FCS team in the country, and it ain't close. The 'Rabbits are unbeaten and were ranked No. 1 in the most recent FCS Coaches Poll.
SDSU is scoring 39 points per game and allowing only 11, which is beyond elite.
Like many Missouri Valley teams, they do it mainly on the ground, averaging 243.4 rushing yards per game against 204.5 passing yards per game.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski is playing out of his mind, amassing 1,528 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. He's had help in the form of running back Isaiah Davis (754 yards, 8 TDs) and wideout Jaxon Janke (458 yards, 3 TDs).
This Jackrabbits squad is a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, and they're likely to notch their fifth consecutive win in the Dakota Marker.
North Dakota State vs South Dakota State
Betting Pick & Prediction
Although North Dakota State is among the FCS elite, there is no toppling the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Frankly, the Jackrabbits belong in a decent FBS conference with how excellent the program has been.
Approaching this game from a betting perspective is tricky, as the odds haven't been released yet.
Our projected spread for this game is set at South Dakota State -10.5, and that's what we're rolling with. If we can find any value against that number, we'll take it. I'll happily back the FCS's finest squad.
There will be some emotion, but expect the Jackrabbits to continue this dominant run.
