Historic football rivalries have a way of stirring up emotions long before the game clock starts ticking, and for UC Davis and North Dakota State, the gridiron sparks are set to fly once again. In an upcoming throwback to their shared history, the Aggies will face off against the Bison in 2028 and 2029. Bison will host the first game at the Fargodome on Saturday, September 9, 2028, and the series will shift to Aggie territory the following year on Saturday, August 25, 2029, as reported by NDSU's official athletics website.
This renewed competition not only brings back memories of their shared stint in the Great West Football Conference from 2004-2007 but also teases the excitement of a renewed collegiate rivalry. According to UC Davis head coach Tim Plough in a statement obtained by FOX40, "It feels right that Davis is playing North Dakota State. There’s a long history and tradition of those two programs." Plough, who once played quarterback for UC Davis, recalled the dynamic games shared with NDSU during his playing career.
The Aggies are stepping into this renewed rivalry with a record trailing behind the Bison, with NDSU holding a 7-4 lead in the all-time series dating back to 1982. Despite the past performances, the excitement for these future games lies not just in the history books, but also in the hearts of former and current players alike.
The last time these two teams clashed was a 2019 non-conference game where North Dakota State came out on top with a 27-16 victory in Fargo. With both institutions having evolved since then, the 2028 and 2029 games are anticipated by fans and alumni to be competitive affairs that will add another chapter to an already storied matchup. Plough highlighted his personal connection to the rivalry, saying, "I was on the staff in 2019 when we went down there and played them," and "Really excited about that game and glad we could get it done," in a sentiment echoed by both programs and their support bases, as noted by FOX40.
