Bison Illustrated Podcast

With the FCS keeping its spring schedule (for now), the NCAA announced a 16-team playoff. That begs this question: should all 10 FCS conferences get an auto-bid to the playoffs, or should the best 16 teams --- no matter the conference --- be taken. Swany and Nolan debate the merits, and answer the question. The guys also lament the fact Sioux Falls landed the Battle for Atlantis college hoops tourney this year, which includes Duke, Creighton, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and West Virginia. Swany Says it's time Fargo stepped up its game and matched what the Sioux Falls Sports Authority is doing to land so many big-time events. Why aren't Fargo leaders doing that? It's big-time economic development for Sioux Falls, as well, and drives things like conventions, trade shows, conferences, and more marquee events. Finally, the guys pay tribute to former Bison basketball player Jordan Aaberg, who died unexpectedly last week at only 29-years old. Lots of heartfelt talk, this week, on the Bison Illustrated Podcast.

Bruce Feldman, a college football extraordinaire with The Athletic, says North Dakota State's game against Central Arkansas is the best nonconference matchup in all of college football. Swany and Nolan contemplate the meaning in this, and discuss the hype that's already building for the October 3 contest. The guys also talk about the "rock and a hard place" decision facing NDSU as to the number of fans in the Fargodome stands. Interwoven in this audio tapestry are fond memories of Maverick --- Swany's son --- unloading a diaper bomb on his favorite old, worn-out jeans, along with this intriguing scenario: what beer tastes the best under what situations ... is it that anticipatory airport getaway beer, the just-got-done mowing my lawn beer, or the "hey, it's homecoming, let's do a shower-beer" beer. We have some fun this week, where champions come to podcast, the Bison Illustrated Podcast.

Another week, another round of national media attention for North Dakota State. On SportsCenter, ESPN's Scott Van Pelt framed NDSU's game against Central Arkansas thusly: "October 3. Fargo, North Dakota. Mark it down. The NFL already has," said Van Pelt. Bison head coach Matt Entz was on the Dan Patrick Show, and Full Ride with Rick Neuheisel and Chris Childers on XM84 was heavy on Bison talk. Swany and Nolan discuss the importance of this game, the storylines, and reaction from Bison Nation that extends to the highest levels of football. Fill the coolers and fire up the grills, we got a game, friends! And more, this week, on the Bison Illustrated Podcast!

The question looms overhead like the Sword of Damocles, will we see any North Dakota State football games --- or any college football games --- in 2020? Swany and Nolan are back, and more mediocre than ever, talking about the state of affairs and the lack of any good options on the table for a viable college football season this fall. There are no easy decisions facing college presidents, administrators, coaches, and players across the county as the college sports world grapples with if, how, and when the games go on. Are we seeing a sea change, and watershed moment, where players take control of the multi-billion dollar a year sport? When we emerge from the Covid-19 aftermath, what does the college athletics landscape look like? We don't shy away from a debate on the big issues, this week, or any week, on the Bison Illustrated Podcast!

Swany and Chase are joined by Sam Herder from HERO Sports. The guys talk about HERO Sports Preseason Top 25, North Dakota State's spot at No. 1, and who could challenge the Bison. The Missouri Valley Football Conference, who had the three top teams in the Top 25, is loaded with potential playoff teams. The college football landscape has been deeply impacted by this week's events surrounding the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As peaceful protesters marched in Fargo, they were joined by several Bison. Swany Says we got their backs, and gives a heartfelt explanation why he supports the rights of every athlete and coach to have their voice heard. There's no such thing as "staying in your lane" here. This is all of our lane, and there's no room for racism in it. Join the dialogue, this week, on the Bison Illustrated Thundering Herdcast Podcast.

Much has been made about North Dakota State's Trey Lance in recent weeks, including his rising NFL Draft profile. What the experts should also know --- and what has other FCS coaches crying themselves to sleep --- is that the Bison return a loaded and veteran group on offense that averaged over 37 points per game last fall. This Bison offense would give Power 5 FBS schools fits with its size, athleticism, depth, and playmaking ability. Swany and Nolan are joined by 740AM The Fan's Chase Miller. The guys go over the latest on the status of this fall's college football season, and do an early breakdown of the Bison on both sides of the ball. All that, and Swany's take on why NCAA President Mark Emmert's failure to provide strong leadership right now is spelling the beginning of the end of the NCAA as we know it! It's a hole-in-one, this week, on the Bison Illustrated Podcast!

North Dakota State's football program is no stranger to the national spotlight. Things got even brighter this week after ESPN's venerable Mel Kiper Jr. told Mike Greenberg that NDSU's Trey Lance could be in a three-man race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Believe that! Swany, Nolan, and Chase Miller talk about Lance's surge, and how he'll be surrounded with plenty of offensive firepower. The guys switch gears to recap a big week for Bison hoops as Dave Richman added two new assistant coaches, and some key pieces to their two-time defending Summit League champion roster. Fire up the grills, pull up a lawn chair, and crack a cool one with your pals at the Bison Illustrated Thundering Herdcast Podcast!

North Dakota State continues getting national attention for its football prowess. Most recently, The Athletic's Bruce Feldman profiled NDSU QB Trey Lance, saying the Walter Payton winner is on NFL radars. Swany and Nolan are joined by Chase Miller from 740AM The Fan to talk about it, along with the Draft Prospects of several of Lance's teammates, including Derrek Tuszka and Ben Ellefson. The guys speculate on how/when sports could return, and recap the awesomeness that were Episodes 1 and 2 of ESPN's groundbreaking documentary of the 1990s Chicago Bulls, "The Last Dance." Take a break from your stay at home blues with the some rock solid Bison talk, here, on The Bison Illustrated/Thundering Herdcast Podcast!

The guys are back with regular podcasts to provide a little light and distraction from what's been some tough news cycles. Swany and Nolan are joined by 740AM The Fan's Chase Miller. The guys cover a wide range of topics, including what might have been had March Madness not been cancelled. Swany Says the Bison would've won two games, advancing to the Sweet 16. The guys discuss the retirement of NDSU's legendary track and field coach, Don Larson, who's stepping down after 41 years! at the helm. We wrap up with some NDSU football talk. Take a break, even for a few minutes, this week, on the Bison Illustrated/Thundering Herdcast!

If you could tell NDSU's Jabril Cox why he should stay a Bison, what would you say? It's heartbreak city for Herd fans as Swany and Nolan discuss Cox, a fan favorite, putting his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal. Swany shares what he would tell Jabril after Bison fans were blindsided by the announcement. Swany and Nolan also address the steamy horse nugget garbage that transferring raises Cox's draft profile ... after all, Carson Wentz was the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft only a few years ago. If you can play, you can play, and if you're a First Round guy, you're a First Round guy whether you play at NDSU, LSU, Alabama, or Alcorn State. In happier news, the guys shift gears talking March Madness, and the Bison men's team looking to cut down some nets (again) in Sioux Falls. We preview the tournament, tell you the keys for NDSU getting back to the Big Dance, and share hilarious stories from our trips to the Denny covering the tourney. Find solace and comfort, this week. on the Bison Illustrated Podcast!