A Midwestern Rivalry: Gophers Vs. The NDSU
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It is like David versus Goliath, little school against big school.
When the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison took the field against the Golphers back in 2007, they did what many believed not possible: beat the University of Minnesota. That victory set the stage for a great rivalry.
NDSU fans and alumni invaded the Twin Cities Saturday, for what many call a homecoming game for both teams.
"It's a homecoming for a lot of reasons, because a lot of our NDSU players are now from Minnesota. This network of really great football players ... it's just a really big draw now for students to go to Fargo for school," said NDSU alumna Clara Osowkski.
NDSU is all about recruiting, they're looking for the brightest students Minnesota has to offer.
"Some of our very best students come from Minnesota, come from the Twin Cities area, so this is a high profile game for us," said Dr. Dean Bresciani, the president of NDSU.
Bresciani said playing the Golphers gives them a chance to let their light shine, show all that the state of North Dakota has to offer.
"It's a regional rivalry, but it's not just a regional rivalry on the athletic field, but for students for our part of the country. NDSU and North Dakota are obviously on a phenomenal run," Bresciani said.
Not only does North Dakota have the lowest unemployment rate in the country, it's economy is booming, which is something for a college student to consider.
NDSU alumni know their dollars have an impact on the economy in the Twin Cities, they also hope their school spirit has an impact on where many Minnesotans decide to further their education.
NDSU officials say more than 15,000 fans made the trek from Fargo to the Twin Cities to support the Bison.
