North Dakota State, after years of dominating the FCS, is our first stop of the FBS season. They have won eight DII/Division titles and a whopping ten FCS championships since 2011. The Bisons probably would have won another one last year if not for being upset at home in a classic meltdown. They were up fourteen with less than three minutes to go, when Illinois State ripped off 15 unanswered points for the win.
Wood chipper display aside, there does not appear to be much to see in Fargo. Instead, we will be munching on chocolate chip cookies with ice cold milk chasers at the Minnesota State Fair before heading up to the Fargo Dome on Saturday morning. It will be either a modified tailgate or just a simple walk around before the kickoff. The amount of fried food we eat on Friday will play a large role in determining Saturday’s approach.
“He’s a little guy. Kinda funny-lookin’… just in a general kinda way”
Five years ago, I did about ten minutes on KFAN, the local sports radio station, but not sure if I will get back on or not. In any case, we are looking forward to trip. The Minnesota fair does not disappoint and I am guessing neither will North Dakota State. Right now, it is the highest priced ticket with third party sellers.
The Picks
Very happy to have a clean slate for the start of the season. My picks have been pretty bad the last couple of years. Some might say they were awful. Nonetheless, I am more upbeat than Mr Rogers with a new pair of tennis shoes. It is going to be a great year – all winners. (Hahaha)
- I like North Carolina against TCU. I have to believe a Belichick Tar Heel team will be better in Year Two. With all his pro experience, Bill should how to play a game overseas in Dublin, Ireland.
- Virginia was awfully good last year and they have home field advantage. I am going with the Hoos.
- I don’t think Sacramento State will beat Eastern Michigan, but they will cover in their first FBS game.
- The Bison of NDSU are the home team against Jax State, who they themselves only jumped to the FBS just a couple of years ago. Home field advantage and history tells me to take the Bisons.
Other thoughts for Week Zero
- Stanford is only a five and a half point favorite against Hawaii at home. All those nerds in Silicon Valley need to pony up some NIL money to get the Cardinal back where they belong.
- San Jose State is getting $1.6 million to play USC. The Spartans finished with a four game losing streak last year. I wouldn’t look for that to end on Saturday against the Trojans. Here’s hoping USC buys them breakfast afterwards.
- By contrast, Florida State is only giving New Mexico State $1.4 million for their visit to Tallahasse. On the plus side, they did get 400 extra tickets, the max number of sideline passes and an undisclosed number of parking spots. Seeing a slaughter up close is probably something most Aggies are used to so those sideline passes will go to good use.
- The Memphis – UNLV game late Saturday night might be the best game of the week. I guess that’s why we call it week zero.
Pour one out for Christine
Lastly, I would be remiss to not note the passing of Shelley Fabares on Saturday. Known best in the sporting world for her role as Christine on the show “Coach”, she played the role of the non-sports wife fan to perfection. My wife got me the boxed set of the show last year and it mostly still holds up. Shelley Fabares was a big reason why it did.
Enjoy the games this weekend,
Tree