The excitement is palpable as the best college football teams in modern FCS history prepare to clash on December 21 in this season’s semifinals. The No. 2 North Dakota State Bison will host the No. 3 South Dakota State Jackrabbits, with a coveted trip to the championship game in Frisco on the line. Can the two-time defending champions fend off the formidable Jackrabbits, who boast an impressive nine FCS titles?
Game Overview: A Rivalry Renewed
This matchup is not just another game; it’s a storied rivalry that has captivated fans for years. Earlier this season, North Dakota State managed to edge out South Dakota State with a narrow 13-9 victory at home. However, the Bison must be wary, as the Jackrabbits had previously dominated their encounters, winning five straight meetings dating back to 2021. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as only one team will emerge to represent their conference in the FCS Championship.
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State football start time
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated game is set for Saturday, December 21, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET. Fans will gather at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota, to witness this thrilling showdown. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as two of the best programs in the nation take the field.
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State football tickets
For those eager to be part of the action, tickets for the FCS semifinals are available now on StubHub. The excitement of live college football is unmatched, and this game promises to deliver. Currently, the get-in price for this matchup is only $60, with premium seats going for as much as $772. With a capacity of just 19,000 at the Fargodome, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets sooner rather than later to avoid missing out on this epic clash.
Click the link below to view more prices and seating options.
BUY NOW: Best prices, seats for NDSU vs. SDSU football at the Fargodome
FCS playoffs 2024 schedule and results
The road to the semifinals has been filled with thrilling matchups and nail-biting finishes. Here’s a quick recap of the playoffs leading up to this critical game:
First round
- No. 12 Illinois State 35, Southeast Missouri State 27
- No. 10 Rhode Island 21, Central Connecticut State 17
- UT Martin 41, No. 16 New Hampshire 10
- Lehigh 20, No. 9 Richmond 6
- No. 11 Villanova 22, Eastern Kentucky 17
- No. 15 Abilene Christian 24, Northern Arizona 0
- No. 13 Tarleton State 42, Drake 29
- No. 14 Montana 41, Tennessee State 27
Second round
- No. 6 UIW 13, No. 11 Villanova 6
- No. 7 Mercer 17, No. 10 Rhode Island 10
- No. 3 South Dakota State 35, No. 13 Montana 18
- No. 14 South Dakota 42, No. 13 Tarleton State 31
- No. 1 Montana State 29, UT Martin 17
- No. 2 North Dakota State 51, No. 15 Abilene Christian 31
- No. 5 UC Davis 42, No. 12 Illinois State 10
- No. 8 Idaho, Lehigh 13
Quarterfinals
- No. 1 Montana State 52, No. 8 Idaho 19
- No. 3 South Dakota State 55, No. 6 UIW 14
- No. 4 South Dakota 35, No. 5 UC Davis 21
- No. 2 North Dakota State 31, No. 7 Mercer 7
Semifinals – Saturday, Dec. 21
Game | Time (ET) | Tickets |
No. 2 North Dakota State vs. No. 3 South Dakota State | Noon | Buy now |
No. 1 Montana State vs. No. 4 South Dakota | 3:30 p.m. | Buy now |
The Road Ahead: Championship Implications
As both teams gear up for this crucial semifinal, the implications of the game extend beyond just a win or loss. The victor will secure a place in the FCS Championship on January 6, where they will vie for the ultimate prize in college football. The anticipation is building, and fans are eager to see which powerhouse will rise to the occasion.
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With history on the line and a passionate fanbase behind them, both North Dakota State and South Dakota State are ready to leave it all on the field. Will the Bison defend their title, or will the Jackrabbits reclaim their dominance? One thing is for sure: this semifinal will be a must-watch event for college football fans everywhere!