North Dakota State will start its pursuit of a sixth straight FCS title when it hosts Charleston Southern in the Fargodome on Saturday night. The FBS season doesn’t start until the next weekend, so the FCS will have the night to itself to showcase two of its best programs.
Charleston Southern vs. North Dakota State 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule and 3 things to know
The five-time defending FCS champions begin their title defense at home against the Big South champs. Here’s how to tune in and what to watch for.
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The Bison were also part of a big-time FCS kickoff game last season, but they'll be hoping for a better result than their upset loss to Montana a year ago. Gone is quarterback Carson Wentz, who went second overall in the NFL Draft to the Eagles despite losing significant time last year to injury. North Dakota State begins the season as the unanimous No. 1 team in the FCS Coaches Poll, so not a lot of folks are expecting to see a big regression in Fargo this year.
Charleston Southern won the Big South last season and made it to the FCS Playoff quarterfinals before falling to eventual runner-up Jacksonville State. They are No. 6 in the FCS Coaches Poll, so we are hopefully in for a lot of fireworks.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Radio: North Dakota State | Charleston Southern
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Three big things to know
1. New quarterback in town
Well, not really. Easton Stick took over for the Bison during Wentz’s injury and acquitted himself well. The North Dakota State offense isn’t exactly predicated on the pass, so he won’t be expected to carry it. But for a team that’s expected to do big things again, having a steady hand with experience as the new starter is a very good thing.
2. Are we doing this again?
North Dakota State already owns the longest title streak in college football history at any level, and it can really start putting some space between itself and the field with a sixth straight title this year.
3. Does Charleston Southern have a chance?
Maybe! The Buccaneers are hardly slouches. Their only losses before their Playoff exit were to Alabama and Troy, both of which are FBS teams. It’s hard to bet against the Bison, but Charleston Southern could be one of a few FCS teams that can give them a run this year.
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