Bison #2 seed

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota State will begin its quest for its fourth straight FCS national championship as the Number 2 overall seed in the playoffs.
 
     New Hampshire (10-1) earned the top seed in the 24-team tournament pairings released Sunday. The top eight seeds receive first-round byes.
 
     The field includes 11 conference champions who automatically qualified and 13 teams with at-large bids. All games will be played at home sites starting Saturday, except the Jan. 10 championship game in Frisco, Texas.
 
     North Dakota State (11-1) will play its first game Dec. 6 against the winner of South Dakota State and Montana State.
 
     New Hampshire will play Dec. 6 against the winner of the Sacred Heart-Fordham game.
 
     Other top seeds receiving byes were: No. 3 Jacksonville State, No. 4 Eastern Washington, No. 5 Illinois State, No. 6 Villanova, No. 7 Coastal Carolina and No. 8 Chattanooga.

The coach of three-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State says his team will have a big advantage hosting playoff games in the Fargodome.
 
     Chris Klieman says, “it’s an electric atmosphere,” and a tough environment for opponents. But he also says the Bison have to play their best, or they could get knocked out.