The Battle of the Basins is an American college football rivalry between the North Dakota State Bison and Wyoming Cowboys. The first game between the teams took place on September 13, 2008. The series is tied, 1–1.
History On September 13, 2008, Wyoming played North Dakota State, the No. 1 ranked team in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), for the first time. Wyoming would win the contest 16–13 on a game-winning field goal by Jake Scott.
On February 8, 2026, it was announced that North Dakota State would move up to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and join the Mountain West Conference (MW) after winning 10 FCS national championships since their move from NCAA Division II in 2004. On September 28, it was announced that North Dakota State and fellow conference member Wyoming would play for a new traveling trophy. The series would be called the "Battle of the Basins" with the North Dakota Petroleum Council serving as the game's sponsor. The new traveling trophy will feature a drill bit from an oil field to honor the rich history of the petroleum industry in both states. On October 3, North Dakota State shut out Wyoming in the first game of the trophy series, 28–0.
Game results
Record by location Stadium Location Games North Dakota State victories Wyoming victories Fargodome Fargo, North Dakota 1 1 0 War Memorial Stadium Laramie, Wyoming 1 0 1
Record by coach North Dakota State Head coach Tenure Games Wins Losses Pct. Craig Bohl 2003–2013 1 0 1 Tim Polasek 2024–present 1 1 0
Wyoming Head coach Tenure Games Wins Losses Pct. Joe Glenn 2003–2008 1 1 0 Jay Sawvel 2024–present 1 0 1
See also List of NCAA college football rivalry games
References