How many national championships does North Dakota State have?
North Dakota State has won 15 national championships: three in the College Division (precursor to Division II), five in Division II, and seven in Division I FCS. The Bisons' most recent title was in 2016 when they beat Ohio University 26-24 in overtime in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision National Semifinals. They have been national champions three times in the Pre-NCAA Football Tournament Era (1930, 1934, and 1936). In 1930, under head coach Joe Kapp, NDSU defeated Washington 14-7 to win their first championship. In 1934, under head coach Clark Shaughnessy, the Bisons defeated California 28-0 to win their second title. In 1936, under head coach Charlie Bachman, the Bisons defeated Iowa 20-6 to win their third title. In addition to these three titles, NDSU has been national runner-up four times: in 1947, 1948, 1999, and 2000. In 1947, under head coach Gus Dorais, the Bisons lost to USC 21-20 in Los Angeles after leading 20-0 at halftime. In 1948, under head coach Eddie Crowder, NDSU defeated Texas A&M 27-7 but lost to Oklahoma 7-3 in the Orange Bowl.