The journey of the University of Sioux Falls (USF) Cougars provides a significant case study for North Dakota State University (NDSU) as it contemplates its future in college football. In 2008, the USF Cougars achieved an impressive 14-0 record, claiming their second NAIA national championship in three seasons. They showcased a formidable defense, achieving seven shutouts and outscoring opponents by a staggering margin of 511-83. Their championship victory over Carroll College highlighted their dominance in the league.
The following year, the Cougars continued their success, finishing with a perfect 15-0 record and winning the NAIA title again. During this season, they scored a remarkable 775 points, averaging 51.7 points per game. Notably, they celebrated a significant victory over Division I North Dakota, marking their third national championship win in four years. Under the leadership of coach Kalen DeBoer, the Cougars boasted an impressive record of 67-3 during his five-year tenure.
Despite their success, USF faced a significant mismatch in competition. Other teams in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) struggled with limited resources, including inadequate facilities and coaching staff. This disparity became increasingly evident, leading the Cougars to a pivotal decision: they would transition to NCAA Division II. In 2010, they lost in the national championship game but officially joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) in 2012.
The transition proved to be beneficial for USF. They achieved a 9-2 record in their first season in the NSIC, quickly establishing themselves as a competitive force. Over the next few years, they continued to improve, posting records of 11-1, 9-3, and 12-1, and making playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016. Although they have not yet contended for a national title at the Division II level, the program has flourished, demonstrating that they have found their rightful place in the college football hierarchy.
USF’s experience raises questions about the future trajectory of NDSU. The Bison, with a storied history of ten FCS championships, are poised to explore a move to the Mountain West Conference. While this decision comes with uncertainty, parallels can be drawn between NDSU’s situation and that of USF. Just as the Cougars left the NAIA behind, NDSU may find that they have outgrown the FCS.
The departure of dominant teams like NDSU could potentially open the door for other programs in the FCS to emerge as new champions. Historically, when USF left the NAIA, other teams like Morningside, Saint Francis, and Northwestern seized the opportunity to claim national titles. FCS circles now hope that a similar shift will occur, invigorating competition within the league.
Programs such as South Dakota State University (SDSU), Youngstown State, and Montana State now find themselves in a position to capitalize on the changing landscape. SDSU, in particular, has been identified as a strong candidate for a future move to the FBS level, given its resources and competitive capabilities.
As NDSU considers its options, the lessons learned from USF’s journey cannot be overlooked. The Cougars may have left behind a successful era in the NAIA, but they embraced a more competitive environment that better matched their aspirations. For NDSU, the decision to leave the FCS could similarly lead to new opportunities and challenges that align with their goals.
In conclusion, while the transition may come with risks, the potential rewards of advancing to a higher level of competition could prove invaluable. Just as USF did, NDSU must weigh the benefits of growth against the nostalgia of former triumphs. The landscape of college football continues to evolve, and both teams will play pivotal roles in shaping its future.