NDSU is not as dominant as they once were, their QB can be flustered and makes poor decisions, their defense isn't as formidable. The Citadel is a horrible Southern Conference team. They went 0-11 two years ago. NDSU won't be tested until 9/27, 10/4, and 10/25. We will know more how good NDSU is after 10/25.
And yes, the Missouri Valley is wide open compared to previous years. IMO, this year, UND, NDSU, SDSU, USD, and Illinois State all have a chance to win the conference. For the MVFC, that's as wide-open as it's ever been in the last 10 years.