Bison Football Gears Up for Key Match at Nissan Stadium

North Dakota State University’s football team is set to compete at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, this weekend, marking the latest stop on their ambitious tour of NFL stadiums. This matchup against Tennessee State University is part of a home-and-home contract initiated last year, following the Bison’s visit to Fargo in 2022.

This season has already seen the Bison play at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, a historic first for college football at that venue. In 2027, the team will travel to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for an ESPN event against Montana State. Fans are optimistic that this weekend’s game will be the first of two trips to Nashville, as the 2026 FCS title game is scheduled to be held at Nissan Stadium in January.

Head coach Tim Polasek noted the significance of playing in Nashville, stating, “Nashville has just kind of a significant meeting this year with everything that’s going on at the end of the season.” The excitement is palpable, with a strong contingent of Bison supporters expected to fill the stands. While Nissan Stadium has a capacity of over 68,000, Tennessee State has not drawn a crowd exceeding 16,000 since October 2019.

Polasek, who has previously coached in multiple NFL venues including Gillette Stadium and Raymond James Stadium, expressed pride in these opportunities. He encouraged his players to appreciate the experience, saying, “I hope our kids just take a moment prior to getting into their routines. Walk out there. Feel what this feels like.”

In terms of player availability, NDSU will be without senior captain Chris Harris, who is sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in practice. Harris is currently in a walking boot, and Polasek indicated that the medical staff is not optimistic about his recovery. “Chris is an outstanding leader, and that’s where it all starts, as far as leadership goes,” Polasek added.

On a more positive note, senior tight end Finn Diggins is expected to play after recovering from an injury sustained in last week’s game against The Citadel. Additionally, true freshman safety Mikhale Ford, who did not travel last week, could see action on special teams during Saturday’s game against Tennessee State.

As the Bison prepare for this important game, the atmosphere in Nashville promises to be electric, with both teams looking to make a significant mark in front of a larger audience.