Prior to 2004, the game was one of the most played college football contests, with 110 meetings spanning several decades with the first official game in 1894. UND leads the all-time series 62–47, with 3 ties. In games where the Nickel Trophy has been contested (since 1938), UND leads the series 35-30. The last NDSU win in a game in which the trophy was at stake was in 2000, 16–13. The two playoff games between the teams (1994 and 1995) are not considered part of the Nickel series, and it has been agreed on by both schools that only the regular season scheduled game would determine the Nickel's rightful owner according to former Blue Key member and chapter adviser Tim Flakoll. The Nickel Trophy was not at stake in 2015 (a game won 34–9 by the Bison) due to the now-abandoned Sioux logo remaining on one side.