When you talk about ND State vs South Dakota, most folks immediately picture the yellow and green of the Bison clashing with the blue and yellow of the Jackrabbits. But wait. That’s the Dakota Marker—the "other" rivalry. Honestly, there is a whole different layer to the interstate friction that people constantly overlook: the showdown between North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the University of South Dakota (USD).
While the NDSU-SDSU "Marker" game gets the ESPN GameDay spotlights and the national headlines, the battle with the Coyotes (that's "Yotes," pronounced oat-ees, if you want to sound like a local) carries its own brand of jagged history. It's a rivalry that stretches back over a century, long before the Bison were a perennial FCS dynasty.
The Long Walk to Modern Dominance
This isn't just a game; it’s a regional measuring stick. The series actually kicked off way back on November 10, 1903. NDSU (then known as North Dakota Agricultural) shut out the Coyotes 22-0. Since then, the Bison have generally held the upper hand. In fact, as of the most recent 2025 season, NDSU leads the all-time series roughly 60-28-2.
But stats are boring without context.
For decades, these two were staples of the North Central Conference (NCC). It was blue-collar, Division II football at its finest. When NDSU made the jump to Division I in 2004, they temporarily left the Coyotes behind. USD didn't join them in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) until 2012. That gap created a bit of a "big brother, little brother" dynamic that still fuels the fire in Vermillion today.
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What Happened in the Last Meeting?
If you missed the clash on September 27, 2025, it was a loud reminder of why the Fargodome is a nightmare for visitors. NDSU basically dismantled the Coyotes 51-13.
It wasn't even as close as the score suggests.
Bison quarterback Cole Payton was a human highlight reel, racking up 273 yards through the air and another 102 on the ground. The Coyotes, led by Aidan Bouman, just couldn't find a rhythm against a Bison defense that looked like a brick wall. By the time Nathaniel Staehling returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter, the outcome was settled. The "Yotes" didn't even sniff the end zone until there was about a minute left in the game.
Comparing the Two Programs
Let’s be real: NDSU is the gold standard of the FCS. They have those nine national titles between 2011 and 2019 that basically redefined what success looks like at this level. South Dakota, meanwhile, has been the scrappy underdog trying to break into that top tier.
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- NDSU (The Bison): Heavy focus on the power run game, massive offensive lines, and a "Code Blue" defense that prides itself on physicality.
- USD (The Coyotes): Often more balanced, utilizing athletic quarterbacks and a defensive scheme that relies on speed and opportunistic turnovers.
The contrast in styles makes for some weirdly close games, even when one team is heavily favored. Think back to 2024—USD actually managed to stun the Bison with a 29-28 upset in Vermillion. That's the thing about this rivalry; you can't just look at the recruiting stars.
The "Hidden" Rivalry vs. The Dakota Marker
You've probably heard more about the Dakota Marker. That's the game between NDSU and South Dakota State (SDSU). It’s easy to confuse the two because, well, both schools are in South Dakota.
But the vibe is different.
The NDSU-SDSU game is often for the #1 seed in the playoffs. It’s a heavyweight title fight. The ND State vs South Dakota game (against USD) is more of a territorial grudge match. It’s about the kids who didn’t get recruited by the "dynasty" in Fargo going out there with a massive chip on their shoulder to prove they belong.
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Why the 2026 Matchup Matters
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the narrative is shifting. USD is no longer just a "tough out." They’ve been consistently ranked in the Top 25, and head coach Bob Nielson has built a roster that can actually match up with the Bison in the trenches.
The next time these two meet, keep an eye on the line of scrimmage. Historically, NDSU wins because they outwork people in the fourth quarter. If the Coyotes can keep it within a touchdown heading into the final ten minutes, things get weird.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re planning to follow this rivalry or maybe even put a little skin on the game, here’s the expert's take on how to read the matchup:
- The Fargodome Factor: Don't underestimate the noise. NDSU's home-field advantage is worth at least 4-7 points. The Coyotes historically struggle with the silent count in Fargo.
- Watch the Injury Report: Both programs rely on "bell-cow" running backs. If NDSU is missing their primary power back, their offensive efficiency drops significantly.
- The "Look Ahead" Trap: Check the schedule. If NDSU plays SDSU the following week, they often come out flat against the Coyotes. That’s when the upsets happen.
To really get a feel for the intensity, you sort of have to be there. The tailgating in Fargo is legendary, but the atmosphere in the DakotaDome in Vermillion is more intimate and, frankly, more hostile for visiting fans.
Next Steps for the Die-Hard Fan:
- Mark your calendar for the October 2026 window; that's usually when the MVFC schedule heats up.
- Follow the transfer portal specifically for Missouri Valley movements—a lot of players swap between these three schools, adding extra spice to the locker room talk.
- Check the FCS playoff rankings in November. Often, this game determines whether USD gets a home playoff game or has to travel to a place like Montana or Delaware.
Ultimately, while the world watches the Dakota Marker, the real ones know that the battle between the Bison and the Coyotes is where the real grit of Dakota football is found. It’s ugly, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what college sports should be.