St. Thomas is set to encounter its most formidable opponent in the history of its Division I football program when it takes on the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison on Saturday in Fargo. Head coach Glenn Caruso emphasized the significance of this matchup, describing NDSU as “the best football team” the Tommies have ever faced. The Bison, currently ranked first in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and boasting an impressive record of 11-0, present a daunting challenge for the Tommies, who hold a 7-4 record this season.
The stakes are high for St. Thomas as they prepare to compete without several key players due to injuries, including graduate transfer quarterback Andy Peters. Caruso expressed that the team’s focus would be on resilience and growth, noting that encounters with top-tier programs have been valuable for their development. “Any time you get a chance to play a great football team, there is a lot you can extract from that,” he said. This encounter with the Bison is particularly critical, as they have consistently dominated their opponents, outscoring them 444-133 over the course of the season.
Facing a Dominant Opponent
The Bison’s performance has been characterized by overwhelming victories, with nine of their eleven wins coming by significant margins. Their closest contest was a narrow 15-10 victory against North Dakota on November 8. Caruso remarked on the Bison’s strengths, highlighting their “really good quarterback,” exceptional offensive line, and a defense regarded as the best in the nation. He pointed out that this season’s Bison team might represent the pinnacle of their storied program, which includes ten national championships.
While the outcome remains uncertain, Caruso anticipates that NDSU will field most of their starters for the majority of the game. “It’s daunting when you look at the numbers, so we choose not to look at the numbers,” he stated, indicating a strategic focus on preparation rather than statistics.
A Personal Connection to Fargo
For Caruso, this game holds added personal significance. He began his coaching career at NDSU, serving as an assistant coach from 1997 to 2002, where he met his wife, Rachel. Reflecting on his early days in Fargo, Caruso recalled the challenges he faced as a young coach, including living in modest circumstances while pursuing his passion for the game. “To get in your Volkswagen and drive halfway across the country and sleep on the couch in someone’s basement and make nothing,” he reminisced. “Those were tough days, but they were also influential days.”
His time in Fargo profoundly shaped his coaching philosophy and appreciation for the athletes he trains. Caruso has maintained connections within the Fargo community and keeps a close watch on NDSU’s progress, stating, “I always cheer for them when they’re not playing St. Thomas.”
As the Tommies prepare for this historic matchup, they will be meeting the Bison for the 24th time and the first since 1966. The Bison lead the overall series with a record of 14-7-2. This game is not only a test of skill and strategy but also a chance for St. Thomas to gain invaluable experience against one of the top football programs in the country.
