Though college football fans will have to wait until Saturday for the start of the FBS season, the Week 0 action begins a couple of days prior on Thursday night in the FCS.
In the Thursday nightcap, we have a cross-country showdown as Long Island hits the road to take on North Dakota at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. The Sharks are coming off a surprisingly successful 2025 season in which they finished 6-6 and notched a win over FBS opponent Eastern Michigan.
The Fighting Hawks, meanwhile, enter the year with major expectations. They're a top-10 team after finishing 8-6 with a win in the FCS playoffs last year.
If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of
BetMGM.
North Dakota vs. Long Island game odds:
All college football odds via BetMGM
- Spread: UND -27.5 (-108), LIU +27.5 (-110)
- Money Line: UND -10000, LIU +2500
- Over-Under: Over 45.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-108)
North Dakota vs. Long Island prediction, pick:
Given its strong defense and North Dakota's relative weakness in the passing game last fall, the Sharks could have a chance here despite the lopsided spread. If the defense for LIU is comparable this season, it's hard to imagine them losing by four touchdowns here. Against FCS competition, Long Island's biggest loss came by 21 points against a top-10 Rhode Island team.
I doubt the Sharks have enough to win on the road here, but I think a backdoor cover could be in the cards.
Prediction: North Dakota 31, Long Island 10
Best Bet: LIU +27.5, Under 45.5
North Dakota vs. Long Island, start time, streaming:
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Live Stream: ESPN+
Stream North Dakota vs. Long Island on ESPN+
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: North Dakota vs. Long Island: Week 0 Betting Odds, Prediction
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