Indiana State Faces Tough Challenge: Bison Concerned About Upcoming Matchup
North Dakota State University (NDSU) continues to dominate the Division I Football Championship Subdivision, maintaining a perfect 6-0 record. Ranked No. 1, they are on course for a highly anticipated showdown against No. 2 South Dakota State on October 25 in Brookings, South Dakota.
NDSU head coach Tim Polasek, however, remains cautious. The Bison face a potential “trap game” as they prepare to travel to Indiana State for a noon kickoff on Saturday. Indiana State has struggled since the pandemic, yet Polasek emphasizes the need for his team to focus on their own performance rather than external factors.
Polasek’s Preparation Strategy
Coach Polasek is prioritizing mental readiness. To test resilience, he eliminated music during pre-practice warmups recently, seeking to observe player responses in a quieter setting. “Are you going to be a true competitor which means you do your very best, you compete really hard, and you don’t look at outside influences at all?” Polasek questioned.
Indiana State’s Memorial Stadium Atmosphere
- Indiana State has averaged 4,620 fans per game this season.
- Their Memorial Stadium holds approximately three times that number.
Polasek underlined, “We have to stay singular minded,” urging his team to drown out external chatter and ranking comparisons.
Injury Updates for the Bison
NDSU faces the concern of injured players. However, prospects for several key players have recently improved:
- Carson Williams: The starting tight end is day-to-day and might play this weekend.
- Finn Diggins: Originally thought out for the season, he could return in six weeks.
- Ray James: The linebacker is back at full strength after a shoulder issue.
- Alex Elliott: Expected to be out all season, he’s one to two weeks from practice.
Freshman safety Jaylen Archibald, initially from Frisco High School and previously at Air Force Prep Academy, is also back and anticipates contributing on special teams.
Upcoming Indiana State Matchup
Indiana State’s quarterback situation remains uncertain. Coach Curt Mallory did not discuss the status of starting quarterback Elijah Owens during a recent press conference. Bison are preparing to face redshirt freshman Brock Riddle, who completed 13 of 23 passes in a recent game against the University of South Dakota. “We just need to be focused on us right now,” Polasek said.
As the Bison prepare for Indiana State, all eyes remain on their potential and focus heading into the anticipated clash on October 25. Coach Polasek emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and concentration as key components of success.
