Valley Rundown: The five conference fixtures I’m looking forward to the most

Conference season is finally upon us. Valley play begins this week with South Dakota traveling to Fargo to battle top-ranked NDSU, an opportunity for the Coyotes to re-establish their contender status and a chance for the Bison to solidify their position as the conference favorite. 

With the best teams in the FCS going head-to-head on a weekly basis, I wanted to take a look at the Valley and pick what games I’m most looking forward to watching. These are in no particular order and all have me very intrigued for various reasons. 

North Dakota State at North Dakota: As I wrote my season preview, I singled this matchup out as perhaps UND’s most important of the season. Now, with the Fighting Hawks looking like a legitimate threat in the conference, it looks like there could be much more at stake than just bragging rights. I’ve mentioned multiple times in recent weeks how UND has impressed me, and it’s obvious NDSU is going to be at the top, or right near the top of the conference standings for the rest of the season. Could the Alerus Center provide some more magic and aid the Fighting Hawks to only their second victory over the Bison in the last decade?  

North Dakota State at South Dakota State: Like almost every year in recent memory, the Dakota Marker game is setting up to be a heavyweight bout. If I were a betting man (I’m not, I’d lose too much money), I’d say both the Bison and Jacks will more likely than not enter the 2025 matchup with undefeated records. Even if they don’t, I’d say there would only be a single defeat between the two powerhouses. I’d also imagine the Jacks will be extremely eager to get back at the Bison after losing twice in Fargo last year. This could be the deciding factor in the conference race and likely playoff seeding as well. I just hope ESPN does this game justice and puts it in prime time.   

South Dakota State at Youngstown State: Of the conference games over the next two weeks, this one may have me the most intrigued. SDSU is right there with NDSU at the top of all the major FCS polls and has the resume to back it up. Meanwhile, Youngstown State has quickly developed into a dark horse in the conference, led by the stellar play of Beau Brungard and what appears to be an improved defense from last season. Stambaugh Stadium has proven to be a difficult environment for opponents, and I see a scenario where the Penguins walk away with a major upset.  

Illinois State at South Dakota: I have a few reservations about this one, more so because I still have some questions about USD, which’ll likely be answered this Saturday. Even so, if you think the Coyotes aren’t going to give every team that walks into the DakotaDome a dogfight, you haven’t watched much of them over the past few years. Unfortunately, this game also falls in the same week as the Dakota Marker game, so it may get overshadowed just a bit. However, this matchup could prove to be almost just as crucial in the Valley race if the dominoes fall the right way. This will also be the first time the two have played in three years, and the Coyotes should be extra hungry for a win, something they’ve accomplished only once against the Redbirds since 2016.   

Southern Illinois at Illinois State: How about an in-state rivalry to end the season? It’s entirely possible that both Illinois squads could be in the thick of the Valley race as we head into the final week of the regular season, but even if not, there will be a lot on the line. I’d be surprised if both teams aren’t fighting for playoff seeding, and both could easily be competing for that coveted first-round bye. Home environments are only elevated when it’s senior day as well, which it will be for the Redbirds.