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When North Dakota State nearly beat Deion Sanders, Colorado it got Tennessee State football’s attention

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When North Dakota State nearly beat Deion Sanders, Colorado it got Tennessee State football’s attention


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Eddie George didn’t have to say much to his Tennessee State football team when it came to pointing out the challenge that awaits Saturday when the Tigers (1-0) visit North Dakota State (0-1) at the Fargodome (2:30 p.m., CST., ESPN+).

North Dakota State opened the season in a national spotlight when the Bison gave Deion Sanders and Colorado a scare in one of the first Thursday night college football games of the season. North Dakota State eventually let a halftime lead slip away in the 31-26 loss but showed why it has been an FCS power for many years.

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Tennessee State watched Colorado-North Dakota State on ESPN

The No. 2 Bison, who have won 17 national championships including nine since 2011, certainly got TSU’s attention.

“Everybody watched that game,” TSU quarterback Draylen Ellis said. “I think a lot of people wanted to see North Dakota State upset Colorado and they almost did.”

The Colorado-North Dakota State game drew an average of 4.8 million viewers making it ESPN’s most-watched Thursday season-opener since 2017 (Ohio State vs. Indiana). The game peaked with 5.6 million viewers, according to ESPN.

Watching the game gave Ellis a preview of what to expect Saturday when TSU attempts to open the season 2-0 for the first time since 2018.

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“They are very physical; they swarm to the ball,” Ellis said. “Their defense plays together as one. Everyone on the defense does their job. It means we just have to go in and not try to force too many plays. Just let the plays come to us. We’re going to have to play a perfect game.”

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TSU’s Draylen Ellis presents different challenges than Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders

Ellis played the best game of his career last Saturday leading the Tigers to a 41-21 win over Mississippi Valley State. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 356 yards and three touchdowns.

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Ellis’ performance got the attention of North Dakota State coach Tim Polasek, who said facing Ellis won’t be anything like facing Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who completed 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns against the Bison.

“It’s much different,” Polasek said. “Colorado dropped back and threw like I thought they would. Drop back and pass, like the old days. Hitch and throw. This guy (Ellis) is all RPO (run/pass option). It’s all screens. Even on third downs they’re not afraid to throw screens to keep it one (step), two (step) ball out type of stuff. That’s where he’s really effective and accurate. This kid is accurate, capable and has a good arm. I respect him.”

The key for North Dakota State’s defense, Polasak said, will be to keep TSU in third-and-long situations where shorter pass completions will make it difficult for the Tigers to pick up first downs.

How did North Dakota State get on TSU’s schedule?

George, in his fourth year at TSU, has never backed down from difficult games. Last year the Tigers opened at Notre Dame and the year before at Eastern Washington, which was ranked No. 12 in the FCS at the time.

In George’s first season TSU opened against Grambling before playing Jackson State, which at the time was coached by Deion Sanders and quarterbacked by Shedeur Sanders.

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So seeing a national FCS power like North Dakota State on the schedule probably didn’t surprise Tigers fans. North Dakota State will play TSU at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.

“A couple of years ago their AD (Matt Larsen) called and said, ‘Hey, do you want to get on our schedule for a home-and-home?’” George said. “I said, ‘Hey, let’s do it. Absolutely. Why not?’ We’ll take on any team anywhere.”

Is North Dakota State’s Cam Miller the best player TSU has faced under Eddie George?

Four-year starting quarterback Cam Miller’s 7-yard touchdown run gave North Dakota State a 17-14 lead in the second quarter against Colorado. Miller added a 20-yard touchdown run in the second half. He also completed 18 of 22 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown.

Miller, a Walter Payton (FCS best offensive player) finalist in 2023, has led North Dakota State to a 31-10 record as a starter. He has passed for 6,747 career yards and 49 touchdowns while rushing for 1,727 yards and 38 touchdowns.

“He’s the best player we have probably seen in my tenure here,” George said. “Cam is a remarkable leader. He can run, he can throw. He has a great deal of experience. He just makes the right plays at the right time. They’re always in the playoffs or competing for a national championship because of that position.”

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Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.



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Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News

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Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News


GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on…

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on Saturday.

Griffin had three steals for the Leathernecks (4-7). Karyiek Dixon scored 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 18 rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen shot 3 for 13 (1 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.

Eli King led the way for the Fightin’ Hawks (4-9) with 13 points, two steals and four blocks. Greyson Uelmen added 13 points for North Dakota. Garrett Anderson had 11 points and six rebounds.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.



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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops


In North Dakota, farmers aren’t neighbors — they’re family.

When a sudden car crash tragically took the life of a beloved community member, the goodhearted folks of Antler came together to carry out one final act of kindness: they harvested his crops.

Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, and his grieving widow, Kharra, and their two sons were left reeling, in no condition to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields surrounding their home.

Randy Fyllesvold, seen here with his wife Kharra, was killed in September. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

That’s when the close-knit community stepped in.

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Two of Randy’s pals — Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates — decided to organize a large-scale harvest of their late pal’s crops.

First, they put out a call for help.

And the people answered. In a flash, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities were rolling onto the farm on 12 combines, in 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment — along with willing hands.

They worked together like a well-oiled machine, and the massive effort was locked up in just a couple days.

Kharra said being among so many people harvesting her husband’s final crop was “nothing short of breathtaking” and she feels blessed to be the recipient of so much love and support in such a harrowing time.

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The tiny North Dakota community banded together to help the family bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

But they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To know Randy was to love Randy,” said buddy Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “..The reach that he had was kind of endless.”

Kharra said she’ll never forget what they did for her.

More than 75 volunteers stepped up to help bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

“As I stood in the shop and looked around before the final Randy Fyllesvold corn harvest started, I was flooded with memories we created with all of you,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.

“The day was full of emotion, but I found so much peace in watching it unfold … but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.

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“God Bless all of you and the boys and I love each and every one of you. 12 combines, 7 grain carts, over 40 trucks all for you Randy.

“I know you are smiling down.”



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Donald Snyder Sr.

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Donald Snyder Sr.


Donald R. Snyder Sr. 82 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 9, 2026, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota. 

Don was born on June 3, 1943, the son of Harrison and Gladys (Whittier) Snyder in Van Hook, North Dakota. He attended school in Van Hook and New Town, North Dakota. Don served in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964 and was stationed in Hawaii during his time of service as a Military Police officer. He attended ND Police Academy and where he worked in Wattford City, ND and later was the Chief of Police in Parshall, ND. Don attended Minot State University and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972. 

Don was united in marriage to Greta Huseby on November 22, 1991, in Lake Tahoe, Neveda. He worked as a social worker in child welfare in North Dakota for thirty-five plus years in various roles in the state in Rugby, Minot and Bismarck as a Regional Supervisor to State Director in foster care. Don spent the many years taking care of family’s needs in North Dakota.

After retiring from Human Service in North Dakota, he worked for Multiband Inc. and Orangehook Inc. Don retired from OrangeHook Inc. as the Senior Vice President, responsible for HR Department.

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Don enjoyed fishing (deep sea, rivers and lakes), hunting, woodworking (cabinetry and interior), coaching Tee Ball and soccer, and volunteering for the local honor guards. He was proud of his service in the military and always showed his gratitude for fellow veterans.

Don’s faith and family were his priority. He read the Bible six times and shared his faith with his family and friends. Don and Greta were active members of University Lutheran Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Greta Snyder; three sons, Donald Richard Snyder Jr., Scott (Nancy) Snyder and Tracy (Staci) Snyder; grandchildren, Megan (Rory) Selk, Katelyn Snyder, Gavin Snyder, Whitney (Chris) Crofts, Kaylee (Jon) Gappmaier and Jordan (Jen) Snyder, thirteen great-grandchildren, Kinley, Iyla, Jude, Gabby, Rowan, Sophia, Hunter, Kimber, Isaiah, Benjamin, Porshea, Addie and Mollie;  numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Tunya and Mishell Snyder, granddaughter, Jessica Snyder and two infant sisters. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home.

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