Ed Scimia
• Betting Analyst
17+ years betting experience
Updated:
Aug 29, 2026 , 02:31 PM ET
• 4 min read
North Dakota State is no stranger to top-tier competition, and stepping up to the FBS level won’t change that so expect the Bison to defend home turf and hold their ground against Jacksonville State in Week 0.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. North Dakota State Bison head coach Tim Polasek calls out in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field.
North Dakota State kicks off its FBS era as a 6.5-point favorite when it hosts Jacksonville State at the Fargodome today at 5:30 p.m. ET on CBSSN.
Step-up in competition aside, the Bison won’t be rattled on home turf—I’m laying the points and backing NDSU to cover the spread in my Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State predictions and college football picks for Saturday, Aug. 29.
TOP PICK
Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State prediction: North Dakota State -6.5
The North Dakota State Bison come into the FBS ranks with plenty of confidence, as the program went 9-4 against FBS opponents – including several wins against power conference teams – during its time in the FCS.
They’ve been absolutely dominant at home, even against solid competition, going 38-2 in FCS playoff games.
Arguably, this first game isn’t even a step up in competition. While the Jacksonville State Gamecocks have been highly successful in Conference USA play, some power rankings (such as Sagarin) have rated that league below the Missouri Valley Conference – where NDSU played in FCS – in the last couple of seasons.
The Fargodome will be rocking, and I’m backing the Bison to win at home, giving up less than a touchdown.
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Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State same-game parlay (SGP)
Along with taking North Dakota State to cover, I’m also backing the Under in this season opener. The Bison are bringing back a number of key starters on defense, including safeties Jaylin Crumby and Darius Givance.
That’ll help prevent any unexpected variety from a relatively one-dimensional Gamecocks offense, which lost running back Cam Cook – who led all FBS backs with 1,659 rushing yards last year – to West Virginia in the offseason.
The Bison lost both quarterback Cole Payton and receiver Bryce Lance to the NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Jacksonville State forces a lot of turnovers, getting 24 takeaways for the second year in a row in 2025.
The lack of offensive continuity will limit the scoring on both sides, making the Under an excellent SGP pick.
Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State SGP
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Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State odds
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Spread: Jacksonville State +6.5 (46%) | North Dakota State -6.5 (54%)
Over/Under: Over 46.5 (53%) | Under 46.5 (47%)
Moneyline: Jacksonville State 30% | North Dakota State 70%
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Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State weather
This game will be played in the Fargodome, meaning weather won’t be a factor.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State trend to know
North Dakota State has won 27 consecutive home openers. Find more college football betting trends for Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State.
How to watch Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State
Location
Fargodome, Fargo, ND
Date
Saturday, Aug.29, 2026
Kickoff
5:30 p.m. ET
TV
CBSSN
Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State latest injuries
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Today’s college football Week 0 predictions
Here are today’s college football Week 0 game previews, with our top picks, odds, weather and injuries, and more!
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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