This is just my opinion, but at the time that NDSU would go (unless we have the complete landscape change with the BCS schools breaking off), I would assume that Montana and Montana State are both going as well, at which point I think you see UND with them. I wouldn't be surprised to see NDSU, UND, Montana and Montana State (with some others possibly) working together on this. Maybe I'm way off, as each school will look out for their best interests, but for whatever reason that's my gut feel.
If you could just create a new conference and be eligible for playoffs right away in every sport, I would love to see a conference with the Montana's, all four Dakota schools, Idaho and Northern Colorado. Since you couldn't pry UNI away from the MVC, don't know who else to include (Omaha and Denver as Olympic sports members, maybe find some football affiliates?). Pipe dream, I know, but it would be a great conference.