Conference Great West Conference 2004 record 8-3 (2-3 Great West) Offensive coordinator Tim Albin | Sports Network No. 23 Head coach Craig Bohl (2nd Year) Defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow | |
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The 2004 North Dakota State Bison Football Team represented North Dakota State University and entered their first year in Division I football I-AA(FCS). The Bison head coach was Craig Bohl, in his second season as head coach of the team. The Bison play at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota. North Dakota State competes in the FCS division of college football. In 2004, the Bison finished with a record of 8-3, and tied for third in the conference at 2-3. Per NCAA rules, new Division I teams have a 4-year probationary period where they are not eligible to participate in the I-AA playoff system. During their first 4 years after moving to Division I (2004-2007), NDSU had a record of 35-9 (.795) and were ranked in the top-25 32 out of 44 weeks.
In 2004, the Bison were never ranked in the sports network poll but beat 2 out of the 3 top-25 teams they played. After the playoffs, the Bison were ranked #24 in the final rankings although being ineligible for the playoffs.