NDSU Bison Prepare for Potential Trap Game Against Indiana State

FARGO, North Dakota — North Dakota State University (NDSU) is 6-0 and ranked No. 1 in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision. South Dakota State is also 6-0 and holds the No. 2 spot. A highly anticipated matchup looms on October 25 in Brookings, South Dakota. However, before that, the Bison face Indiana State on October 21 for a noon (CT) kickoff.

Head coach Tim Polasek expressed concerns about the matchup against Indiana State during a press conference on Tuesday. Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming showdown, Polasek emphasized the importance of focusing on the current game and not getting distracted by external factors. “The challenge for our guys, what kind of competitor are they going to be on Saturday?” he said. “Do you need to be inspired by others?”

This week, Polasek aimed to create a quieter practice environment by shutting off music during warmups to test his team’s focus. Indiana State’s Memorial Stadium has only averaged 4,620 fans this season, representing about one-third of its capacity. “At the forefront for us is to ignore the noise and the chatter about comparisons, rankings, how well we do this or how well we do that,” he added. “It’s imperative we have no big picture point of view right now or attack plan.”

A key question for the Sycamores involves the status of starting quarterback Elijah Owens. Head coach Curt Mallory did not provide clarity on Owens’ return status during his Monday press conference. Polasek, meanwhile, is preparing for redshirt freshman Brock Riddle, who played last week in a 19-14 loss against the University of South Dakota.

On the injury front, Polasek revealed some positive updates. Starting tight end Carson Williams is day-to-day, while tight end Finn Diggins, who was initially thought to be out for the season, has a chance to return in about six weeks. Linebacker Ray James, previously facing a lengthy rehabilitation, is now cleared to play this week. Freshman safety Jaylen Archibald, returning from Air Force Prep Academy, is expected to contribute on special teams.

Polasek also provided hope for linebacker Alex Elliott, who was injured in August. Elliott may be cleared to practice sooner than initially expected. “Alex Elliott, this is just unbelievable,” Polasek said. “He’s just kind of ahead of schedule and he’s worked really hard.”