North Dakota State makes its Mountain West debut against Air Force on September 12, 2026, at Falcon Stadium. Both teams enter the contest undefeated, bringing a clash of elite defenses and contrasting offensive styles to Colorado Springs.
The Bison's Leap from FCS to Mountain West Competition
North Dakota State enters this milestone game with significant momentum, seeking to prove that its success in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) translates to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). as reported, the Bison are currently 2-0, highlighted by a dominant 38-0 shutout of Fordham. This transition is a pivotal moment for the program as they attempt to establish their footprint in the Mountain West Conference.
The North Dakota State Bison's success thus far has been built on a balanced offensive approach led by senior quarterback Nathan Hayes. According to the report, Hayes has maintained a 73 percent completion rate, helping the offense average more than 300 yards per game. This efficiency suggests that the Bison are not merely relying on their defensive prowess to win games but are capable of sustaining drives against high-level competition.
Liam Szarka and the 431-Yard Triple-Option Attack
Air Force presents a starkly different challenge with a triple-option offense that prioritizes ground dominance. In their season opener,the Air Force Falcons amassed 431 rushing yards during a 34-0 victory over Duquesne. This strategy is spearheaded by quarterback Liam Szarka, a Maxwell Award watch list candidate who recorded a combined 922 rushing yards and 1,294 passing yards in 2025.
The Falcons' ability to control the clock is a primary weapon that could neutralize the Bison's momentum. by leaning on a disciplined rushing attack, Air Force can restrict the number of possessions available to North Dakota State, effectively keeping the game in a low-scoring environment that favors the home team at Falcon Stadium.
Can a Top-Four Defense Stop the Falcons' Ground Game?
The central tension of the game lies in whether the North Dakota State defense can neutralize the Air Force rushiing attack. While the Bison defense currently ranks fourth in the nation and has already produced two defensive or special-teams touchdowns, they have allowed 104 net rushing yards over their first two contests. It remains unclear if this level of containment will hold against a disciplined triple-option system that operated at 75 percent rushing efficieency in its first half against Duquesne.
This matchup highlights a critical unknown: how the Bison will adapt their defensive schemes to a style of play they rarely encountered in the FCS. While North Dakota State has been prolific in creating turnovers, with four interceptions already this season, the triple-option is designed to minimize the very mistakes that the Bison defense typically exploits.
DraftKings' 2.5-Point Spread and the Underdog Falcons
Betting markets reflect a tight contest, with DraftKings listing the Air Force Falcons as a 2.5-point underdog. The North Dakota State Bison are the favorites at -134, with a projected total of 47 .5 points for the game. This suggests that oddsmakers expect a competitive match where the Bison's early-season form gives them a slight edge, despite the altitude and atmosphere of Colorado Springs.
For fans following the action, the game will be broadcast nationally on FS1, with additional coverage provided by the Pioneer Seeds Bison Sports Network. The betting lines indicate that while North Dakota State is the stronger team on paper, the specialized nature of the Air Force offense makes them a dangerous opponent in a game that could easily swing on a single turnover or a long rushing drive.
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