Two-time defending FCS champion and preseason No. 1 North Dakota State is the first team in league history to win a game against an FBS foe in three consecutive years (Kansas in 2010, Minnesota in 2011 and Colorado State last season).

North Dakota State also returns Brock Jensen at quarterback, a four-year starter who threw for 2,331 yards last season and played a part in 29 touchdowns. He will be the most experienced quarterback the Wildcats will see all season. He has started 37 games, including several in the Division I-AA playoffs. Coming off back-to-back seasons in which they played 15 games, the Bison are experienced across the board.

Bill Snyder has watched the Wildcats grind out victories in their last four openers. They beat Massachusetts 21-17 his first year back, took out UCLA 31-22 in 2010, struggled mightily in a 10-7 victory over Eastern Kentucky in 2011 and led Missouri State by three at halftime before pulling away last season.