# Nebraska faces FCS opponent with upset potential

> North Dakota arrives undefeated and dangerous, testing Matt Rhule's ability to keep his team focused against a lower-division opponent.
- Title: Nebraska faces FCS opponent with upset potential | Shortify
- Summary: North Dakota arrives undefeated and dangerous, testing Matt Rhule's ability to keep his team focused against a lower-division opponent. Nebraska can't afford…
- Keywords: nebraska cornhuskers, matt rhule, north dakota fighting hawks, fcs football, college football, memorial stadium, anthony colandrea, eric schmidt, upset risk, big ten, sports, Nebraska
- Source: Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI — https://si.com/college/nebraska/football/week-three-might-be-a-big-coaching-challenge-for-matt-rhule
- Published: 2026-09-15T23:31:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nebraska cornhuskers, matt rhule, north dakota fighting hawks, fcs football, college football, memorial stadium, anthony colandrea, eric schmidt, upset risk, big ten, sports
## Nebraska's recent FCS dominance
The Huskers crushed Northern Iowa 34-3 in 2024 and Houston Christian 59-7 last season. North Dakota is next on the schedule.
## North Dakota nearly great last year
UND went 8-6 under first-year coach Eric Schmidt. Close losses to Kansas State, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State kept them from 11 wins.

> Just a couple of plays kept the Fighting Hawks from having 11 wins and competing for a national championship last year.
## Nebraska's upset history haunts them
The Huskers lost to Northern Illinois in 2017, Troy in 2018, and Georgia Southern in 2022. They can't afford to overlook anyone.

> The Nebraska football program cannot afford to overlook any team. The Huskers aren't good enough right now to do so.
## North Dakota arrives hot
UND is 3-0, averaging over 50 points per game on offense while allowing about 23 points on defense.
## Fighting Hawks beat FBS before
North Dakota defeated Wyoming 24-13 in 2015. They know they can win against higher-level competition.
## UND has nothing to lose
The Fighting Hawks won't be intimidated by 85,000 fans at Memorial Stadium. They're not coming just for a paycheck.

> The Fighting Hawks are not coming to Memorial Stadium just to get a paycheck. Buyer beware.
## Anthony Colandrea is a game changer
The transfer quarterback has proven he can compete even in the Big Ten. If he stays healthy, he'll be tough to stop.
## Nebraska's offense shows depth
Several running backs have emerged as difference-makers. The receiving room has also shown they can be dangerous.
## Key takeaway

Nebraska can't afford to overlook any opponent, especially with a history of losses to non-Power Four teams in recent years.