The Thundering Herdcast

By - Joshua A. Swanson Despite a bevy of injuries, departures for the NFL Draft, and a key starter leaving for the transfer portal, North Dakota State was one play away from advancing to this year's FCS semifinals. With 23 freshmen and sophomores on the two-deep depth chart, the Herd fell agonizingly short at Sam Houston, 24-20.  “Our young guys are our depth. It’s been a good thing, there have been growing pains at times, but it will all payoff in the long run,” said NDSU coach Matt Entz following a 42-20 playoff win against Eastern Washington.  Swany is joined by the Bison Report's Ross Uglem to recap this spring, and talk about an awfully good football team coming back with big things in store this fall.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By - Joshua A. Swanson One of the best players in program history, Joe Mays was an All-American linebacker and Great West Conference Defensive Player of the Year for North Dakota State. Mays was taken in the 6th Round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and joins Herd It Hear to tell you what Bison like Trey Lance, Dillon Radunz, and Jabril Cox are going through now that their names have been called and the work of officially being a professional football player starts. Mays says the guys' time at NDSU will serve them well when it comes to the NFL. A fan favorite, Bison legend, and all-around great dude, Mays also discusses his observations of this year's Bison defense. Once a Bison, Always a Bison, on Herd It Hear! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By - Joshua A. Swanson Brian Shawn, the TV voice for North Dakota State, stops by Herd It Hear to preview the Sam Houston game. Brian talks about the development of NDSU's younger players, and the poise they showed after getting down early against Eastern Washington. Swany and Brian talk about Sam Houston, and how NDSU matches up against the Bearkats. Brian gives you a detailed analysis of what to expect on Sunday when the game kicks off at 2:00 p.m. on ESPN. It's insight you definitely won't want to miss!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By - Joshua A. Swanson In a program used to big weeks, the last week has bordered on the surreal, even for North Dakota State. It began with a 42-20 demolition of Eastern Washington in the FCS playoffs. After that, NDSU announced the brand new, state-of-the-art Nodak Insurance Company Football Performance Complex, the Herd's $38 million indoor practice facility. That was followed by former Bison quarterback Trey Lance being taken as the third overall pick in the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. His teammates, Dillon Radunz (2nd Round, Tennessee) and Jabril Cox (4th Round, Dallas) were also drafted. Oh, and the Herd plays this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. on ESPN in a national FCS quarterfinal.  A big week needs a big show, and Herd it Hear delivers! We're joined by NDSU athletic director Matt Larsen, former Bison All-American and legend Joe Mays, and the TV play-by-play voice for the Herd, Brian Shawn. We cover all bases -- the NFL Draft, a deep dive previewing the Sam Houston game, and what the new indoor performance complex means for one of the most successful programs in college athletics.  "It was a huge deal, it was a really special day," said Larsen on the announcement of the Nodak Performance Complex. "It's a complex, it's going to be an unbelievable asset to our programs. From a recruiting standpoint, there's a wow factor to it when you look at this facility. It's going to change the landscape on the north side of campus. It's going to show investment, it's going to show a high level of success, and it's going to serve us a really well for a number of years."  Join us to get ready for a big Bison weekend, where champions come to talk!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By - Joshua A. Swanson To say it was a big week for North Dakota State is an understatement. Matt Larsen, North Dakota State's Director of Athletics, joins Herd It Hear to talk about one of the biggest weeks in school history. Within the span of a few days, NDSU had so much landmark news it makes even Power 5 FBS programs blush. The Bison had the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft in Trey Lance, announced their brand new state-of-the-art $38 million Nodak Insurance Company Football Performance Complex, and will take center stage this Sunday on ESPN before a national television audience in a FCS quarterfinal playoff game. On Lance getting drafted, "It's emotional ... obviously incredibly happy for Trey and his family. You saw his reaction when he got the call from the 49ers, you get to see all the behind the scenes stuff that goes into preparing himself for that opportunity," said Larsen. "Just incredibly proud, happy, ..., everybody to a person talked about his high character, and I think that's a great sign of what North Dakota State helps to produce."  Matt describes what this means for the Herd, talks about the spring football season, and gives us a backstage view of his own personal reaction when Bison like Lance, Dillon Radunz, and Jabril Cox get drafted. Kickoff your BISON weekend with this interview overflowing with Bison Pride brought to you by Herd It Hear With Swany!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By - Joshua A. Swanson For the fourth time since 2016, North Dakota State and Eastern Washington will play in one of the season's most anticipated FCS contests. The winner advances with its Frisco dreams alive. The Herd looks to control the ball and clock with its physical ground game, keeping Eric Barriere, the best quarterback in the FCS, off the field. For their part, the Eagles want an up-tempo offensive track meet. James Hendricks, the former Bison All-American, joins the show to talk about how NDSU will defend Barriere. Hendricks played against Barriere in the 2018 FCS National Championship. He says the Herd needs to guard against the big plays, and get off the field on third downs. The Road to Frisco starts today, on Herd It Hear With Swany! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in three weeks, North Dakota State has a football game. Tied atop the Missouri Valley Football Conference with three other teams, the Herd takes on Northern Iowa in a marquee matchup in a game with major consequences on their quest for a tenth straight conference title. The Herd does so with a lot of outside noise and potential distractions, from the transfer portal to an unprecedented spring season. For the Bison to come out of Cedar Falls with a win, they'll need to protect the football, pick-up offensively where they left off on March 20 against the University of North Dakota, and quickly shake off any rust from the three week layoff. Swany is joined by 740 The Fan's Chase Miller to discuss how the transfer portal will change the landscape of college football, and the guys discuss how field position and special teams will play a big role against the Panthers. Dig in with the big spoons, because it's Bison Game Day on Herd It Hear with Swany! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chase Miller and Nolan Schmidt recap the week and what to expect for the rest of the spring season with COVID-19 protocols.  Host of Herd it Hear with Swany, Josh Swanson joins the program and goes over the FCS Committee playoff rankings and does the MEAC deserve a spot in the spring playoffs.  The Bison are set to play again on Saturday, April 10 against Northern Iowa.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The doom and gloom talk from a month ago has been replaced by a new sense of doom and gloom throughout the FCS. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to poke a Herd of Bison. North Dakota State (5-1) gloriously romped the University of North Dakota, dominating all three phases of the game in a 34-13 victory. Behind the rams and a punishing running attack, the Herd piled up 316 rushing yards on 54 carries including three touchdowns. This weekend, the Bison look to take that next step against the University of South Dakota in a key Missouri Valley Football Conference road game. Under the banner "Right Now Means Everything," the Herd are a motivated football team on a mission. We told you it was a mistake to doubt this team. Swany Says the Herd will take another big step today in the Rushmore State.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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North Dakota State has won eight of the last nine national championships. You wouldn't know it this week as local, statewide, and even national media are falling over themselves fawning at a 4-0 University of North Dakota team. According to those experts, the Fighting Hawks have closed the gap against the champs, the Bison are vulnerable, and they'll fall today. Swany is joined by his twin brother, Brother Swan, to talk about their experience growing up in "the game," and this rivalry in Maddock, North Dakota. We discuss past games in this rivalry, and how one way or the other, the narrative of "the game" will be impacted in a big way today. Of course, the Swany Brothers have never, and will never, lose faith in the Herd. It's going to be a big day for the good guys, and we tell you why, this week, on Herd It Hear with Swany! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop me if you've heard this before. A ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference team comes to the Fargodome in a must-win situation with their backs against the wall. After starting the spring in the Top 10, Illinois State (0-2) faces a resurgent North Dakota State (3-1) with both teams needing wins to stay in the thick of the conference race. In the "race to maturity," the Bison showed growth, shutting out Missouri State for a 25-0 win. The Herd ran the ball for 272 yards, and had several explosive plays, including a 53-yard Jalen Bussey touchdown, against the Bears. This weekend, which offense can find traction first in what looks to be a defensive battle. We also recap former Bison quarterback Trey Lance's dazzling display at his NFL Pro Day at the Fargodome. Everybody up for the kickoff, this week, on Herd It Hear with Swany!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time since November 2017, North Dakota State enters a game coming off a loss. The Herd fell flat last weekend at Southern Illinois, sending cheers of glee through the rest of the FCS. The Bison now seek to silence the critics and doubters. Swany is joined by the Bison Report's Ross Uglem to talk about how NDSU gets back on track against the Bears. Swany Says the theme the rest of this season is "Don't Stop Believing," because there's too much talent and pride to let one loss define this team. We tell you why, and how, the Herd will give Bison Nation a reason to believe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Dakota State's defense guarded the end zone like Fort Knox last weekend against Youngstown State, coming away with a 25-7 win. Spencer Waege lived in the Penguins backfield while the Bison offense did what it does in piling up over 250 yards on the ground. The Bison hit the road for their first away game since November 2019 against a Southern Illinois team looking to rebound after a surprise blowout loss at North Dakota. A victory would mark NDSU's 40th straight win, tying the University of Washington for the second longest streak in Division I history, only behind Oklahoma's 47 straight wins from 1953 to 1957.  Swany explains complimentary football, and tells Bison fans to relax because NDSU doesn't need to score 40 points every game to win. The formula is strong defense, a punishing running attack, and timely passing. It works. We hear from Saluki head coach Nick Hill who says that's a tough formula to beat.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zeb Noland came to North Dakota State from Georgia via Iowa State. After two years in the program, the senior gets his shot as starting quarterback to pilot the high-octane Bison offense. To paraphrase Maverick and Goose, "I feel the need, the need, for speed!" Noland will be the latest Top Gun QB for NDSU. Don't expect the Herd to dial back their offense this spring. Swany tells you why Herd fans will be high fiving big things after the season opener against Youngstown State. We've got sound from Bison head coach Matt Entz, and linebacker Jackson Hankey, talking about the challenges of playing a team, in Youngstown State, under a first-year head coach, and from offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl on Noland.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As NDSU and JMU, the two titans of the FCS and budding rivals get set for kickoff, we ask, is there anything that gives one team an advantage? According to Swany, there are some advantages to be had, lurking below the surface, that give one team an edge.

Frisco Bound: Bison leave no doubt in 42-14 demolition of Montana State. Led by Lance's five TDs and Christian Watson's big second quarter, NDSU routs Bobcats to earn eighth trip to Frisco in nine years.

Montana State's head coach Jeff Choate talks garbage about North Dakota State's dynasty, complains that the Bison have an unfair advantage with how their fans and boosters support the program as NDSU looks to get back to Frisco for 8th time in nine years.

Two MVFC heavyweights collide as two of the best offensive players in the FCS, Trey Lance and James Robinson, headline a quarterfinal matchup between North Dakota State and Illinois State, the winner earning a shot at Frisco in next week's semifinals.

Swany previews the FCS playoff brackets as NDSU has its sights set on Frisco and an eighth national championship in nine years. This Bison team was the first to finish its regular season 12-0, and looks to join other undefeated national title teams.

The expert panel talks about why the numbers, and eyeball test, support Lance receiving strong consideration for the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice awards.

Swany tells you why he thinks this is the best offense NDSU has ever had, why it's a nightmare to defend --- and argues that nobody in the FCS will touch NDSU if they play to their potential. That, and an early playoff preview, on the Thundering Herdcast!

NDSU took command and control of the Missouri Valley with another signature win against SDSU in Brookings. It was NDSU's fourth win over a Top 10 ranked team this fall, their sixth win over a Top 25 team, and a devastating gut punch to the Jacks.

ESPN's College GameDay showcases the Dakota Marker rivalry between NDSU and SDSU. People recognize it as one of the best rivalries in the FCS with two heavyweights. This week, we talk about the magnitude of the biggest Dakota Marker showdown yet.

Bison look for 2-0 start in MVFC play as they host UNI for homecoming

It's strength on strength as North Dakota State tangles with the Illinois State Redbirds in a contest between two physical, and talented, football teams. It could be a playoff - or even a Frisco - preview, and we tell you why, on the Thundering Herdcast!

We talk about NDSU's identity after a 4-0 start, and how many "swans" the Bison score on the Modified Swan Scoring System (MS3). It's "BIGTOBER" for the Herd entering MVFC play with a slate of tough games against Illinois State, UNI, SDSU, and YSU.

It's a battle of FCS heavyweights as Trey Lance & Jake Maier, two of the nation's best QBs, leading prolific offenses, go toe-to-toe as No. 1 North Dakota State faces No. 4 UC-Davis. This is a key matchup on the Road to Frisco you don't want to miss!

Led by the "Sensation," Trey Lance, a multi-faceted offense, & hard-nosed Code Green defense, North Dakota State seeks big road win against the No. 18 Blue Hens. Herd It Hear with Swany on 740 TheFan tells you why it will be a Bison kind of day in Newark.

The hype train is leaving the station as "The Sensation," Trey Lance, leads the Herd against the "Hi, I'm in Delaware" Blue Hens. The Bison are hitting on all cylinders, Code Green is in lock down mode, & the FCS heavyweight champs will land a big punch.

North Dakota State Kings of North Dakota. A dormant rivalry, stirring like a silent volcano with the magma creeping below the surface, releases pent up hostilities as NDSU "welcomes" the University of North Dakota to the Thunderdome. ESPN loves NDSU

NDSU faces a bitter rival from the past with a new chapter beginning in the storied rivalry. Whether you think it's a rivalry or not, Bison fans agree on one thing -- the burning desire to torch the Fighting Hawks this Saturday.

Welcome to the Thundering Herdcast with Swany, a podcast dedicated to one thing, and one thing only - the THUNDERING HERD! My pledge to you is this: if it doesn't have to do with the Bison, you won't find it on this show. I know that you're listening to hear about North Dakota State, and we'll do our best to make sure that you're entertained and informed. After all, we share one very big thing in common - that's our passion for NDSU and the Bison! The top-ranked, undisputed heavyweight champs of the FCS, and one of the best stories in all of college football, are gearing up for the season opener at Target Field on August 31 . In our inaugural episode, we talk about the quarterback situation with Associate Head Coach/Passing Game Coordinator/QBs Coach, Randy Hedberg. Coach Hedberg answers questions about playing QB in the Bison offense, the mental acuity needed for the position, and, of course, the guys in the room, Trey Lance, Zeb Noland, and Noah Sanders. I also tell you why the Bison offense in August will not be the same offense in November. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Bison talk from a guy that went to games at Dacotah Field, was a ballboy for Rocky Hager and Bob Babich, has been a season ticket holder since the Dome opened in '93, covered the team for The Spectrum and now the Bison Illustrated, and, maybe most importantly, tips a few back with you every fall in the west tailgating lots. And make sure to tune in for the second season of Herd It Hear with Swany every Saturday morning from 8:00-9:00a on 740 The Fan starting August 24. Everybody up for the kickoff, the march is on!