North Dakota State opens FBS era with huge win as Tim Polasek gets emotional after victory

A new era is underway for Tim Polasek and the North Dakota State Bison after playing their first game as a FBS program. On top of that, they pulled off a historic 33-7 win over Jacksonville State in Week 0, seeing the head coach get very emotional.

Polasek is preparing for the third season of his head coaching career in college football with the Bison. North Dakota State spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons as an FCS squad in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The program has embraced a transition to the FBS level, moving over to the Mountain West Conference.

Polasek reflected on the team’s win after the game on the CBS Sports postgame interview. He was holding back tears, having pride in the Bison for coming out with the win and going through an important process.

“I’m fighting it back pretty good right now, and I need to,” Polasek said. “I can’t wait to go through this process of making this move up. This is step No. 1. I just think for Fargo, and for our university, this can be explosive, and we’re excited about this season.”

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Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; North Dakota State Bison center Trent Fraley (63) hikes the ball in the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Tim Polasek and North Dakota State didn’t have much concern in their FBS debut, blowing out the Jacksonville State Gamecocks by a 33-7 score in Week 0.

The Bison dominated Jacksonville State from start to finish, scoring in all four quarters. Their defense was spectacular, holding the Gamecocks to just one touchdown score that took place in the first quarter.

Nathan Hayes flourished in the season opener, throwing for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Myles Mitchell, Nyeoti Punni and DJ Scott combined for 185 yards through 32 rushes on the ground. Meanwhile, Jackson Williams caught five passes for 58 yards while Jordan McCants and Reis Kessel recorded five receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns combined.

The Bison will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Fordham Rams as kickoff commences on Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET.