This College Football Team Doesn’t Want to Join the Big Leagues

If you know anything about Fargo, it’s likely the harsh winter and funny accent portrayed in the movie and television series that take their name from North Dakota’s largest city. But residents want you to know a few other things: Fargo adds 10 people a day, says the mayor, and its unemployment rate is about 50 percent below the U.S. average. Spend a night, and someone will remind you that the Coen brothers shot their 1996 film mostly in Minnesota.

One thing Fargo’s residents don’t have to get defensive about? Their football team, the North Dakota State University Bison. Riding a deep tradition, smart local recruiting, and oil money from the western part of the state, the Bison have won five straight national titles—and they’re a preseason favorite to win a sixth. The team’s dynasty is unmatched in the 146-year history of college football’s top ranks.