South Dakota State football: 3 effects of 2022 national title win

1. There’s a broader FCS universe beyond North Dakota State

It’s the elephant in the room: North Dakota State football has won nine FCS national titles in the past 12 years.

In some ways, the two teams matched strength vs. strength last Sunday. While NDSU brought a powerful rushing attack to Frisco, the Jackrabbits countered with the nation’s toughest run defense with a unit that surrendered only 83 rushing yards per game.

The ubiquitous transfer portal and the proliferation of NIL deals may also be helping the Bison’s rivals. Programs like Montana State, Northern Iowa, and Incarnate Word could continue to challenge for FCS supremacy — and even teams like Sacramento State (which beat FBS Colorado State 41-10) could be improved in 2023.

Even programs like Southern Illinois, Montana, and Northern Arizona have claimed wins against FBS programs during the past two seasons.

If players don’t see the playing time they wanted at the FBS level, the avenue is open to transfer to an FCS powerhouse program like South Dakota State, among others.

It will be interesting to see how the Bison rebound next year. NDSU still won 12 games, though contests against teams like Southern Illinois and Indiana State were close calls. Even the 35-32 semifinal victory against Incarnate Word only came after a Bison fourth-quarter comeback.