On the eve of one of the biggest games in Bison football history, I thought it was interesting to note that NDSU has history with the other 3 semifinalists in a rather large way, and it happened in a short time, which makes it even more impressive.

Georgia Southern – This one speaks for itself obviously with last year’s game in Fargo and with the result sending a message to the rest of FCS that NDSU is for real and here to stay. Overlooked though was the first game the two teams played in 2006, when the Bison dominated GSU in Statesboro as well, part of another 10-1 season then.

Sam Houston State - The national championship game will stand out for everyone for a long time especially with NDSU’s defensive performance in that game, but the previous two games between the two teams were also hearstoppers, the 2007 game here in Fargo may have been the most exciting game in Dome history and the 2009 game in Hunstville could be described as one of the worst defensive performances in Bison history, it’s been a long time since anyone came close to 600 total yards against NDSU like the Bearkats did that day.

Eastern Washington - I’ve seen 6 years of Bison football and next to the 2007 SHSU game, the Eastern game was by far the most exciting game I’ve seen. Add to it it was a playoff game with a Bison team that barely snuck into the playoffs, had already won 2 games and it seemed like it was playing its best football of the season. The game had everything you could want, blocked field goals, 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns, a pick 6, a comeback, snow and a controversial ending. To go on top of it the game was played on a red football field. I have a sneaking suspicioun that if the Bison win tomorrow night that the fans would like to see Eastern Washington in Frisco.

If there’s another common theme among these four teams, it’s stability and great recruiting. These teams are built for the long haul and are set up to be making repeat trips to the final four and championship games for the next few years.