SDSU vs UND: FCS Finale Showdown

SDSU vs UND: A Critical FCS Collision

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits and North Dakota Fighting Hawks collide in a pivotal regular-season finale on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Both teams enter with identical 7-4 records, making this matchup at the Alerus Center a must-watch clash for FCS playoff implications. With kickoff set for 1 p.m. CT, the contest promises fireworks as two ranked programs battle for supremacy in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

How to Watch: Streaming Details

Football fans won't find this game on traditional broadcast TV. Instead, the SDSU vs UND showdown streams exclusively on ESPN's platforms. Viewers can access the live broadcast through the ESPN App with either the "ESPN Select" ($11.99/month) or "ESPN Unlimited" ($29.99/month) subscription plans. This marks an opportunity for fans to witness high-level FCS action without cable.

Early Momentum: UND Strikes First

The Fighting Hawks made an immediate impact, capitalizing on their opening drive. Facing fourth-and-1 from the 14-yard line, UND quarterback Jerry Kaminski executed a designed keeper, plunging into the end zone for a touchdown. The successful extra point gave North Dakota an early 7-0 lead with just under three minutes remaining in the first quarter. This aggressive play call set the tone for what's expected to be a physically intense contest.

Ranked Rivalry: Top 25 Implications

This matchup carries significant weight in the FCS landscape. Both teams enter the game ranked in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll: North Dakota at No. 13 and South Dakota State at No. 22. The Jackrabbits, coming off a 21-point loss to Illinois State last week, will look to bounce back against their conference rival. Meanwhile, UND aims to solidify its postseason positioning with a strong finish to the regular season.

What's at Stake: Playoff Hopes and Conference Pride

For both programs, this game represents more than just a season finale—it's a chance to build momentum for the FCS playoffs. An eighth victory would provide significant resume boosters, while a loss could leave teams on the bubble. The Missouri Valley Football Conference's dominance in the Top 25 (with seven ranked teams) makes conference matchups like this particularly valuable for seeding and at-large selections. The winner gains crucial momentum heading into postseason play, while the loser faces uncertainty in bracket selection.

Key Storylines to Watch

"The Alerus Center atmosphere will be electric as both fan bases rally behind their teams with playoff implications on the line."

Watch for SDSU's response to UND's early touchdown and how both defenses adjust to their opponents' offensive schemes. Jackrabbits quarterback Mark Gronowski will need to navigate UND's aggressive pass rush, while UND's Kaminski looks to continue his efficient play against a physical SDSU secondary. Special teams could also play a decisive role in this tightly contested matchup.

What's Next?

Regardless of the outcome, both teams will await FCS playoff committee decisions. A victory would significantly bolster either team's case for an at-large bid or higher seeding. For now, fans can expect a hard-fought battle in Grand Forks, where every yard and every point carries postseason weight.