North Dakota State University began its 116th season of college football under the direction of 10th-year head coach Craig Bohl on Thursday, Aug. 2, with the first of five acclimatization practices.

"I was very anxious," said Bohl, who watched as 95 players went through a rigorous 24-period workout on the grass practice fields.

"You want to see where you are at with the conclusion of summer work and see the additions. There is always some surprises on the first day and a couple of disappointments. I will hold judgement on that until I see the tape."

North Dakota State will hold its annual media day on Friday at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome, and then hold another afternoon practice.

"It's fun to actually get back out here and play some real football," said NDSU linebacker Grant Olson, a 6-foot, 226-pound junior from Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata H.S.).

The Bison have a pair of 2-A-day practices scheduled on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and Thursday, Aug. 9.

North Dakota State has a scrimmage scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18.

The Bison open the 2012 season against Robert Morris at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.