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Ed Scimia<\/a> 17+ years betting experience<\/p>\n \n Updated: \u2022 4 min read<\/p>\n North Dakota State will face a familiar level of competition and rise to the challenge at home in their first FBS game against Jacksonville State in Week 0.<\/p>\n Photo By – Reuters Connect. Tim Polasek of the North Dakota State Bison NCAAF<\/p>\n The North Dakota State Bison come in as a 6.5-point favorite in their first FBS game as they host the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at the FargoDome at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.<\/p>\n The Bison won’t be intimidated by the Gamecocks, and I’m taking them to cover in my\u00a0Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State predictions and college football picks for Saturday, Aug 29.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0TOP PICK The North Dakota State Bison<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n They’ve been absolutely dominant at home, even against solid competition, going 38-2 in FCS playoff games.<\/p>\n Arguably, this first game isn’t even a step up in competition. While the Jacksonville State Gamecocks<\/a> have been highly successful in Conference USA play, some power rankings (such as Sagarin<\/a>) have rated that league below the Missouri Valley Conference – where NDSU played in FCS – in the last couple of seasons.<\/p>\n The Fargodome will be rocking, and I’m backing the Bison to win at home, giving up less than a touchdown.<\/p>\n Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account 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.<\/p>\n That’ll help prevent any unexpected variety from a relatively one-dimensional Gamecocks offense, which lost running back\u00a0Cam Cook<\/a> – who led all FBS backs with 1,659 rushing yards last year – to West Virginia<\/a> in the offseason.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The lack of offensive continuity will limit the scoring on both sides, making the Under an excellent SGP pick.<\/p>\n Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State SGP<\/p>\n Want more college football player props? Check out our college football player prop projections<\/a>!<\/p>\n Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State odds<\/p>\n Spread: Jacksonville State +6.5 (46%) | North Dakota State -6.5 (54%) For the full slate of college football matchups<\/a>, check out our college football odds<\/a> board!<\/p>\n More Covers college football betting tools<\/p>\n Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State weather<\/p>\n This game will be played in the Fargodome, meaning weather won’t be a factor.<\/p>\n Check out our college football weather<\/a> page for up-to-date info on every matchup.<\/p>\n Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State trend to know<\/p>\n North Dakota State has won 27 consecutive home openers. Find more\u00a0college football betting trends<\/a> for Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State.<\/p>\n How to watch Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State<\/p>\n Location Date Kickoff TV Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State latest injuries<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Betting Analyst<\/p>\n
\nAug 28, 2026 , 10:45 AM ET<\/p>\n
Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State prediction: North Dakota State -6.5 (54%)<\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/google-preferred-source-badge.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/a>Jacksonville State vs North Dakota State same-game parlay (SGP)<\/p>\n
\nOver\/Under: Over 46.5 (53%) | Under 46.5 (47%)
\nMoneyline: Jacksonville State 30% | North Dakota State 70%<\/p>\n
\nFargodome, Fargo, ND<\/p>\n
\nSaturday, Aug.29, 2026<\/p>\n
\n5:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
\nCBSSN<\/p>\n