The FCS Wedge

For more than half of the MVFC teams, the 2018 season is now over. For a few, they get to continue on and play at least one more. Now that some of the teams are done, I’ll add a little something new to the end of the recaps, highlighting a few of the seniors who (barring the odd medical redshirt or something) are on to the next phases of their lives…whether that includes professional football, grad school, or some other career. I won’t do everyone, but I’ll try to pick out a few seniors who’s names we’ve seen at least a few times over the course of the season. I’m sure I’ll miss at least a few major contributors, but I’ll try to get most of them, and they all deserve a salute for the hard work and effort they’ve put in over their college football careers.

The Scores

Youngstown State – 28
Illinois State – 35

Indiana State – 15
Western Illinois – 13

South Dakota – 27
South Dakota State – 49

Southern Illinois – 17
North Dakota State – 65

Missouri State – 0
Northern Iowa – 37

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Youngstown State at Illinois State

The Redbirds started off the game with the ball and took it 81 yards down the field and into the end zone on a 37-yard run by RB James Robinson to get things rolling in this game. About halfway through the 1st quarter, the Penguins got their first points on a 41-yard FG from kicker Zak Kennedy. ISU missed a 34-yard FG attempt a little bit later keeping their lead at 4. Early in the 2nd, YSU QB Montgomery VanGorder was sacked and fumbled the ball. It was recovered by ISU DL John Ridgeway and taken down to the YSU 3 yard line, and then on the next play, in for a TD on a 3-yard pass to TE Tylor Petkovich. On YSU’s next drive, they made it to the ISU 24 yard line but settled for a 41-yard FG, making the score 14-6 for the Redbirds. On the kickoff however, YSU DB Alec Burzynski forced a fumble that was recovered by S Donovan McWilson, which gave the Penguins good field position. They took that into the end zone 6 plays later on a 1-yard run by RB Tevin McCaster to pull within 1. Later in the first half, ISU DB Luther Kirk picked up an interception, and the score would remain 14-13 going into halftime.

About 6 minutes into the second half, ISU scored on a 7-yard TD run by the RB Robinson and a few drives later, YSU got their next one on a 10-yard TD catch by WR Ryan Emans. The 2-point conversion was good, tying the game up at 21 with about 90 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. In the first few minutes of the 4th, YSU took their first lead of the game when TE Miles Joiner caught a 58-yard TD pass, but ISU responded on the next drive, using a 54-yard run by RB Robinson to get close and then a 5-yard run by RB Kevin Brown to get it into the end zone, tying it up at 28. YSU was held to a 3-and-out and ISU moved the ball downfield again, with RB Brown again taking it in for a score on a 16-yard TD run to put the score at 35-28 for the Redbirds. ISU’s defense stepped up from that point forward, holding YSU to only 1 first down and with ISU S Mitchell Brees picking up an interception, making 35-28 the final score.

ISU QB Brady Davis had 88 passing yards with 1 TD and ran for 21 yards. RB James Robinson had an incredible day, running for 256 yards and 2 TDs (with an 11.1 yards per attempt average) and earned a MVFC Offensive Player of the Week award, while RB Kevin Brown also picked up 2 TDs and 41 yards. LB Zackary Mathews led the Redbirds with 9 tackles (5 solo) and 2 QB hurries. DB Luther Kirk and Mitchell Brees each had interceptions, and LB Jason Harris had 2 forced fumbles. YSU played two QBs in the game with Nathan Mays throwing for 99 yards and 2 TDs with 1 interception and ran for 61 yards, while Montgomery VanGorder had 23 yards and 1 INT. RB Tevin McCaster ran for 142 yards and 1 TD and TE Miles Joiner and WR Ryan Emons each had a TD reception. LB Armand Dellovade had 11 tackles (7 solo) with 4 for loss. Kicker Zak Kennedy hit two 41-yard FGs and averaged 59 yards on 6 kickoffs with 2 touchbacks.

Youngstown State finishes out the 2018 season with a 4-7 overall record and 3-5 against the conference. YSU says goodbye to QB Montgomery VanGorder, RB Tevin McCaster, LB Armand Dellovade, DT Savon Smith, and PK Zak Kennedy.

Illinois State ends up 6-5 and 3-5 in the MVFC. A few of the Redbirds seniors who are done include Safety Mitchell Brees, WR Spencer Schnell, QB Jake Kolbe, LB Zackary Mathews, and TE Tylor Petkovich.

REDBIRDS WIN!!!@Robinson_jamess rushes for 256 yards and 2 TDs as the Redbirds finish the season 6-5 overall #REDBIRDfootball pic.twitter.com/2zBbNunOjl

— Illinois State Football (@RedbirdFB) November 17, 2018

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Indiana State at Western Illinois

The Leathernecks got the scoring started a bit over 5 minutes into the game on a 44-yard FG from kicker Sam Crosa. Later in the first, ISU forced a turnover on a fumble by WIU QB Sean McGuire that was forced by DB Denzel Bonner and recovered by DL Rex Mosley at the WIU 11. They didn’t really get anywhere with it though, as WIU held them to a 26-yard FG by kicker Jerry Nunez to tie the game at 3. Early in the 2nd, a WIU punt was downed at the INSU 1, but after 12 plays got them 98 yards, the 13th got them 1 more into the end zone on a run by QB Ryan Boyle. The 2-point conversion failed, putting the score at 9-3. Late in the 2nd, WIU missed on a 42-yard FG attempt, preserving that score through halftime.

On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, WIU RB Steve McShane ran 65 yards into the end zone, giving the Leathernecks a 10-9 lead. ISU picked up 83 yards on their next drive all the way to the WIU 1 yard line, but had to settle for an 18-yard FG to pull ahead by 2. On WIU’s next drive, they took back the lead with a 35-yard FG and 2 plays into ISU’s drive, WIU DB Xavier Rowe picked off an interception. There was quite a bit of defense in the 4th quarter, but eventually, with about 3 ½ minutes to go in the game, ISU started a drive that moved 71 yards downfield and ended with a 27-yard FG as time expired to win 15-13.

ISU QB Ryan Boyle threw for 149 yards with 1 interception and ran for 6 yards and 1 TD. RB Peterson Kerlegrand ran for 102 yards. LB Jonas Griffith finished with 9 tackles (8 solo) and had 4.5 tackles for loss (1 sack). Kicker Jerry Nunez was 3-3 on FGs from 18, 26, and 27 yards out and earned the MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. WIU QB Sean McGuire had 202 yards passing and 18 yards running (0 TDs or INTs). RB Steve McShane had 129 rushing yards with 1 TD and 33 receiving yards, while RB Clint Ratkovich had 79 receiving yards and 7 rushing yards. LB Quentin Moon picked up 13 tackles (5 solo) with 1 sack, DL Khalen Saunders finished with 11 tackles including 2 sacks, and the FCS leader in sacks (tied, prior to results of this weekend) LB Pete Swenson picked up 7 tackles including ½ sack.

Indiana State finishes the regular season at 7-4 and 5-3 in the conference, which is an incredible turnaround considering they were winless last year. They were, somehow (despite winning their last 5 straight) not selected to participate in the playoffs and so Sycamores fans have to say goodbye to seniors like RB Ja’Quan Keys, LB Katrell Moss, DB Jamal Jones, DB Rondell Green, DL Pishon Powell, and O-Lineman Tate Leavitt.

Western Illinois ends up 5-6 overall with a 4-4 MVFC record. Seniors that have finished their Leatherneck Football careers include WR Isiah LeSure, RB Steve McShane, DB Xavier Rowe, DB Justin Fitzpatrick, LB Quentin Moon, LB Pete Swenson, DL Khalen Saunders, O-Lineman Drew Wagner, and QB Sean McGuire. McGuire ends his career as the #1 QB in WIU history for Career Yards, Yards per Game, Completions, Attempts, and TDs, and in the top 5 in Completion Percentage, as well as numerous game and season records.

Indiana State wins it with a 26-yard field goal from Jerry Nunez. Sycamores move to 7-4 on the season and have won five-straight @ValleyFootball games!#ALLIN pic.twitter.com/rYPCEacL46

— Indiana State Football (@IndStFB) November 17, 2018

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South Dakota at South Dakota State

The Jackrabbits got things rolling early in Brookings on a 30-yard TD run by RB Pierre Strong Jr. The Coyotes used a couple of big runs early on their next drive to set up a 3-yard TD pass to TE Brett Samson to tie things up. Around halfway through the 1st quarter, SDSU needed only 1 play…a 73-yard TD run by RB Strong to take a 14-7 lead. On USD’s next drive, a pass by QB Austin Simmons was intercepted by CB Marshon Harris giving SD State the ball at the USD 34 and a few plays later, QB Taryn Christion hit WR Cade Johnson with a 20-yard TD pass. USD was then held to a 3-and-out before SDSU TE Blake Kunz caught a 59-yard TD pass to put the Jackrabbits up 28-7 after 1 quarter. There wasn’t a lot of scoring in the 2nd until late in the quarter when USD QB Simmons was sacked and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by SDSU DE Ryan Earith at the USD 36. Shortly thereafter, QB Christion ran the ball 16 yards into the end zone to take a 35-7 lead going into halftime.

In the first drive of the second half, USD got some more points on the board when QB Simmons ran the ball 8 yards for a TD to pull within 21. Later in the quarter, SDSU started a drive at midfield on an out-of-bounds punt and drove down the half-field taking it in on a 10-yard TD pass to WR Cade Johnson to go up 42-14. Into the 4th quarter, USD took 12 plays to cover 80 yards and score on a 16-yard run by QB Simmons, cutting the lead to 22 and then on their next drive, they used a 13-play drive going 78 yards finishing with a 17-yard TD pass to TE Connor Herrmann, making it 42-27 at that point. The Jackrabbits responded fairly quickly with a 46-yard TD run by RB Strong and USD was held out of the end zone for the remainder of the game, with the final score of 49-27 for South Dakota State.

USD QB Austin Simmons threw for 295 yards and 2 TDs with 1 interception and ran for 79 yards with 2 TDs. WR Shamar Jackson caught 11 passes for 111 yards. DB Elijah Reed led the Coyotes with 7 tackles (4 solo). SDSU QB Taryn Christion finished with 172 yards and 3 TDs passing plus 26 yards and 1 TD rushing. RB Pierre Strong Jr. had 253 yards and 3 TDs and earned the MVFC Newcomer of the Week award. TE Blake Kunz led the Jackrabbits with 68 receiving yards and 1 TD and WR Cade Johnson had 58 yards with 2 TDs. LB Christian Rozeboom racked up 13 tackles (8 solo) with 1.5 for loss. CB Marshon Harris had 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception, and DE Ryan Earith picked up 4 tackles including 1 sack, with 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.

South Dakota finishes their season at 4-7 with a 3-5 conference record. Some of the Coyotes who have finished up their collegiate playing careers include the Gray brothers, DB Andrew and LB Alex, WR Shamar Jackson, CB Michael Frederick, LB Alex Coker, and O-linemen Cody Jennings and Nick Jenson.

South Dakota State completes the regular season at 8-2 and 6-2 in the MVFC. They earned the #5 seed in the FCS playoffs and will host the winner of the Duquesne @ Towson game in two weeks. For playoff teams, I won’t do my “seniors spotlight” until they are eliminated from the playoffs.

Never gets old! Way to go Jacks! On to bigger and better things now…FCS Playoffs! pic.twitter.com/xXR0gnfHhv

— Dan Dykhouse (@DanDykhouse) November 18, 2018

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Southern Illinois at North Dakota State

SIU WR/CB Ja’Quan Burton must have figured that the Salukis would need to get points early if they had any chance at beating NDSU, so he went and ran the kickoff 100 yards back for a TD. NDSU didn’t quite do the same thing, but it did only take them 4 plays to cover 79 yards for their first TD on a 36-yard run by RB Ty Brooks to tie things up. The Bison’s next drive was only 3 plays (they started at midfield) with QB Easton Stick running the final yard into the end zone. SIU responded with a 59-yard TD pass from QB Matt DeSomer to WR Raphael Leonard, but NDSU went right back and regained the lead on a 60-yard TD pass from QB Easton Stick to TE Nate Jenson. On SIU’s first play following the kickoff LB Dan Marlette forced a fumble by WR Burton that was recovered by DE Greg Menard and QB Stick would only need one play, a 22-yard pass to TE Ben Ellefson to double up the score, 28-14. NDSU Safety Robbie Grimsley had an interception a few plays later, but NDSU would end up getting stopped at the SIU 3 with no gain on a 4th and 1. Early in the second quarter, NDSU picked up another TD with a 31-yard pass to WR Darrius Shepherd. The next two drives ended in interceptions, with NDSU’s Grimsley getting his second of the game, then SIU Safety Joe Patterson getting one off of QB Stick. There was no further scoring in the half, so the halftime score was 35-14.

In the second half, the Bison got points off an 18-yard run by RB Bruce Anderson, a safety against SIU, and a 30-yard run by RB Anderson to put them up 51-14 before SIU had their next chance to score, with kicker Griffin Cerra hitting a 25-yard FG. At this point, NDSU put in mostly their second-string players, and freshman RB Saybien Clark was able to pick up a TD on a 19-yard run. SIU QB Sam Straub had a pass intercepted by SS Michael Tutsie and a few plays later, RB Adam Cofield ran 20-yards back into the end zone making it 65-17 for the Bison. SIU used up nearly 6 minutes on their next drive, with 13 plays covering 73 yards but turned the ball over on downs at the NDSU 2 and the Bison would hold on to win.

SIU QB Matt DeSomer threw 144 yards with 1 TD and 2 interceptions and QB Sam Straub also had an interception. DeSomer, typically a running QB, was held to -5 yards. WR Raphael Leonard caught 2 passes for 68 yards and 1 TD. Safety Joe Patterson and LB Withney Simon finished with 7 tackles each, with Patterson picking up an interception. NDSU QB Easton Stick had 302 yards passing with 3 TDs and 1 interception and ran for a TD. RB Ty Brooks ran for 113 yards with 1 TD, RB Bruce Anderson had 68 and 2 TDs, RB Adam Cofield had 84 and 1 TD, and RB Saybien Clark had 66 with 1 TD. WR Darrius Shepherd caught 5 passes for 99 yards and 1 TD and TEs Nate Jenson and Ben Ellefson each had TD catches as well. LB Dan Marlette and DE Derrek Tuszka each had 7 tackles, with Marlette picking up a forced fumble. DE Caleb Butler had 5 tackles and 1 sack, and Safety Robbie Grimsley had 3 tackles with 2 interceptions.

Southern Illinois finishes a disappointing season at 2-9 with a 1-7 conference record. Seniors on the Salukis team include QBs Sam Straub and Matt DeSomer, WRs Darrell James and Raphael Leonard, RB Jonathan Mixon, LB Withney Simon, and O-Linemen Josh Podzielinski, Bryce Wagner, Aaron Harris, and Ben Bailey.

North Dakota State ends their season at a perfect 11-0 and 8-0 in the MVFC. Not surprisingly, as the MVFC champion and #1 seed in the playoffs, they have the next weekend off before hosting the winner of the Incarnate Word at Montana State game (IWU’s first postseason appearance).

Final: North Dakota State 65, Southern Illinois 17. Bison complete their undefeated regular season. #FCS pic.twitter.com/cVfCQHPBcg

— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) November 17, 2018

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Missouri State at Northern Iowa

Missouri State started off with the ball…and immediately fumbled it (forced by UNI DB Korby Sander) to UNI DB A.J. Allen. A few plays later, the Panthers had their first points on a 34-yard FG. A bit later in the quarter, UNI QB Eli Dunne threw a 16-yard TD pass to WR Jaylin James to take a 10-0 lead. A defensive stalemate broke out for much of the 2nd quarter until UNI QB Dunne threw a 27-yard TD pass to WR Jalen Rima, moving the Panthers up 17-0. Two plays into their next drive, MSU QB Peyton Huslig threw a pass to UNI DB Korby Sander. UNI were able to turn it into 3 more points on a 43-yard FG by kicker Austin Errthum making the score 20-0 going into halftime.

In the second half, the Panthers started with the ball and took 9 plays to move 76 yards down the field, topping it off with a 1-yard TD run by RB Marcus Weymiller. No more scoring in the 3rd quarter, but in the first play of the 4th, after a UNI drive had stalled out at the MSU 10, a 27-yard FG put them up 30-0 on the Bears. MSU QB Huslig had a pass intercepted on the next drive by LB Duncan Ferch that was returned 62 yards to the MSU 13. 4 running plays by RB Weymiller got them the rest of the way in and UNI was up 37-0. Missouri State would get as close as the UNI 6 yard line, but they’d turn the ball over on downs on a sack when they were going for 4th and 5. The UNI defense would hold the rest of the way, preserving the 37-0 shutout.

MSU QB Peyton Huslig had 72 passing yards with 2 interceptions, with 41 yards of that going to WR Damoriea Vick. RB Jason Randall had 55 rushing yards. As is fitting in the final game of the season for the Bears, three names that have been heard most from the Bears defense, LBs Angelo Garbutt and McNeece Egbim, and Safety Jared Beshore finished with 11 tackles each. Garbutt also had ½ sack. Punter Brendan Withrow averaged 44 yards on 7 punts with 1 inside the 20. UNI QB Eli Dunne threw for 227 yards and 2 TDs, 1 to WR Jalen Rima (who had 73 yards) and 1 to WR Jaylin James (who had 70 yards). RB Marcus Weymiller ran for 91 yards and 2 TDs. DB Korby Sander finished with 13 tackles (1 solo), 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, and a MVFC Defensive Player of the Week award. LB Alfonzo Lambert picked up 12 tackles and LB Duncan Ferch had 5 tackles and an interception returned 62 yards. PK Austin Errthum hit FGs from 34, 43, and 27 yards out.

Missouri State finishes their season at 4-7 overall with a 2-6 MVFC record. Some of the Senior Bears this season include CBs Jamario McClendon and Matt Rush, RB Jason Randall, S Jared Beshore, and O-linemen Marquis Prophete, Brad Pryor, Jordan Turner, and Aaron Clardy.

Northern Iowa finishes the regular season at 6-5 with a 5-3 conference record and (somewhat surprisingly…including to many UNI fans) will continue their season into the playoffs, hosting Lamar University next weekend.

Final from the Dome. The Panthers shutout the Bears 37-0. For the first time since 1971, UNI has shut out three opponents in one season. #UNIFight pic.twitter.com/jWN6H7TjDi

— UNI Football (@UNIFootball) November 18, 2018

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Final MVFC Standings

Team, MVFC Record (Overall Record)
North Dakota State, 8-0 (11-0)
South Dakota State, 6-2 (8-2)
Northern Iowa, 5-3 (6-5)
Indiana State, 5-3 (7-4)
Western Illinois, 4-4 (5-6)
Illinois State, 3-5 (6-5)
Youngstown State, 3-5 (4-7)
South Dakota, 3-5 (4-7)
Missouri State, 2-6 (4-7)
Southern Illinois, 1-7 (2-9)

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How’d I Do?

YSU at ILSU – I thought 24-17 ILSU. It was 35-28 ILSU. So, a little off on the total points, but got the margin right, so that counts.

INSU at WIU – I thought 33-27 WIU. It was 15-13 INSU. Heartbreaking finish to my Leathernecks’ season. Not what I wanted to see, not what I hoped I’d see.

USD at SDSU – I thought 37-23 SDSU. It was 49-27 SDSU. The Jackrabbits outperformed my expectations a bit, but it wasn’t too far off how I thought it’d go down.

SIU at NDSU – I thought 45-10 NDSU. It was 65-17 NDSU. Didn’t really account for the second string NDSU guys getting so many points, but this was pretty close to expectations, I think.

MSU at UNI – I thought 34-20 UNI. It was 37-0 UNI. Wow…UNI defense really stepped things up. Shutting out any MVFC opponent is no easy task, and it was the 2nd one this season (third total shutout). And because I need the points, I’ll call it a win…I mean, I got pretty close on UNI’s points, right?

Previously I was 16-14 in my picks. I went 4-1 this week, so at the end of the regular season, my record is a thoroughly mediocre 20-15.

Well, the regular season is now over, and only 3 MVFC teams made it into the playoffs. I was expecting NDSU and SDSU…but UNI was something of a surprise. For the 2 of you who maybe haven’t seen the full bracket yet, you can check that out here. I mentioned it earlier, but NDSU is the #1 seed and takes the weekend off, hosting the winner of Incarnate Word at Montana State. SDSU is the #5 seed and also have next weekend off and will host the winner of Duquesne at Towson. UNI makes it in as an at-large and hosts Lamar with the winner heading to play at #6 UC Davis. At this point, I plan on continuing my previews and reviews for as long as any MVFC are still playing, so you can check back later this week for my preview of Lamar at Northern Iowa.

And here we are, already to the end of the regular season, or as Bison fans call it…the ¾ mark. At this point, it’s looking quite likely that the MVFC will only get 3 teams into the playoffs…the fewest since 2013 when only 2 teams made it in. The North/South Dakota States are both in pretty much regardless of what happens this weekend. Western Illinois vs Indiana State has been described by many as something of a “play-in” game, with the winner having a pretty decent chance of making the playoffs. Otherwise…UNI technically has a slim chance if a LOT of things happen to go their way, but it seems pretty unlikely. For everyone else, this is it…try to send your seniors out with one more win, then go eat some turkey and start planning for next year.

Couple of quick things:

• Conference-only stats, just MVFC games (unless stated otherwise)
• Ranking numbers for stats are within the MVFC (unless stated otherwise)
• I will usually round to the nearest yard for things like yards per game

All times are listed as Central time zone and ranking numbers based on the AGS Poll. Here’s the full list along with starting times and places you can find them on TV/streaming video:

Saturday, November 10th
12:00 PM – Youngstown State at Illinois State, ESPN+ and NBC Sports Chicago (if you’re in the region)
1:00 PM – Indiana State at Western Illinois, ESPN3
2:00 PM – South Dakota at South Dakota State, ESPN+
2:30 PM – Southern Illinois at North Dakota State, ESPN+
4:00 PM – Missouri State at Northern Iowa, ESPN+

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Youngstown State at Illinois State

The Series: The Penguins and Redbirds have met up 27 times starting in 1979, with Illinois State holding a 14-13 series lead. The last 5 matchups went 3-2 for ISU and last year’s game was a 35-0 win by the Redbirds at Youngstown, OH.

YSU’s Record: Youngstown State is 4-6 with a 3-4 conference record. They lost to Butler and FBS West Virginia and beat Valparaiso for non-conference games. In the MVFC, they beat SIU, USD, and UNI, with losses to WIU, SDSU, INSU, and NDSU.

ILSU’s Record: Illinois State has a 5-5 record and is 2-5 against MVFC teams. The opened the season with a lot of promise, winning their first three games against NAIA St. Xavier, non-conference rival Eastern Illinois, and at FBS Colorado State. In the MVFC, they have wins over WIU and SIU and losses at MSU and NDSU, against SDSU, and at UNI and INSU.

About Youngstown State: YSU ranks 9th in the conference in scoring offense (20.6 ppg) and 8th in total offense (381 ypg). Their ground game ranks a little higher (6th at 163 ypg) than their passing game (7th at 218 ypg). QB Montgomery VanGorder has been throwing for 188 ypg with 7 TDs, but has struggled with turnovers, throwing 8 interceptions. VanGorder had his second-most productive passing game of the season last weekend against UNI with 209 yards and 1 TD. WR Jermiah Braswell is the top receiver for the Penguins, picking up 52 ypg and 2 TDs, although he didn’t play last week and I can’t seem to find any injury info about him, so I don’t know if he’ll be a factor in this game. Outside of him, the top WR is Christian Turner, who only averages 26 ypg and has 1 TD, but is also the top kick return guy in the MVFC with a 27 yards per return average. The focus of the offense is RB Tevin McCaster, who currently leads the conference with 102 ypg and 8 TDs in MVFC games. YSU’s defense is giving up 26 ppg (5th) and 336 ypg (4th). Against the run, they’re 5th (153 ypg) but they have the top pass defense in the MVFC (183.7 ypg). LB Armand Dellovade leads the team in tackles with 9.6/game and DT Savon Smith sits at #4 for tackles for loss with 1.14/game.

About Illinois State: Offensively, ILSU sits right about the middle of the conference, coming in at 5th in scoring (26.6 ppg) and 7th in total yards (384 ypg) with a 5th ranked run game (165 ypg) and 6th ranked passing game (219 ypg). QB Brady Davis has had the majority of the snaps this season (although former starter Jake Kolbe has also received significant playing time). Davis has a 191 ypg average with 11 TDs and 5 INTs, throwing mostly to WRs Spencer Schnell (81 ypg w/ 7 TDs) and Andrew Edgar (70 ypg w/ 3 TDs). RB James Robinson is second only to YSU’s McCaster for rushing yards per game at 93 with 5 TDs. When the other team has the ball, ISU generally does much better, giving up only 23.3 ppg (2nd) and 331 ypg (2nd). They’re in the top 3 in both run defense (129 ypg) and passing defense (202 ypg). LB Zackary Mathews has 8.3 tackles per game, and DE Romeo McKnight has 6 tackles for loss in 7 MVFC games. DBs Devin Taylor (7 pass breakups, 2 INTs) and Luther Kirk (3 pass breakups, 3 INTs) handle things in the backfield.

My Take: The teams seem to be fairly equal offensively…both with mediocre passing games and one solid RB. ISU has the advantage on defense, however and I think they’ll be able to make the YSU offense effectively 1-dimensional. The Redbirds get a bit of a boost because they’ll be at home, and I think that adds up to a low-scoring, 7 pt victory for ISU. Probably around 24-17.

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Indiana State at Western Illinois

The Series: WIU and INSU have matched up 41 times with WIU holding a 26-15 series lead. From 2000 to 2008, WIU won 9-straight games. INSU won in 2009, 2011, and 2012, and WIU won in 2010 and every year from 2013 to today. Last year’s matchup was a 45-0 demolishing at Terre Haute. Of particular note was the 2015 meeting, which was the second-to-last game of the season and was QB Sean McGuire’s first start ever. McGuire threw for 332 yards in that game, leading WIU to a 7-point OT win. If WIU does not make the playoffs, this Saturday will be McGuire’s last game as a Leatherneck.

INSU’s Record: Indiana State is 6-4 this season and has a 4-3 MVFC record. They started the season beating DII Quincy, lost at FBS Louisville, then won at Eastern Illinois. In the conference, they got shut out by UNI, but then took SDSU to OT in Brookings. They lost by 3 at home to MSU, but since then, they’ve rifled off four straight wins, going on the road to beat SIU by 3 and YSU by 26, then heading back home to take down USD by 3 in 3 OTs and ILSU by 5.

WIU’s Record: Western Illinois is 5-5 so far with a 4-3 record in the conference. They started off with a close loss at Montana State, a loss at FBS Illinois, and a narrow win at home against Montana. In the MVFC, they beat YSU, MSU, UNI, and SIU and have lost games against ILSU, NDSU, and USD.

About Indiana State: Overall, the Sycamores offense is #3 in the MVFC in scoring and yardage in conference games, averaging 31.9 ppg and 424 ypg. They rely heavily on their ground game, ranking #2 in rushing offense with 238 ypg but 10th in passing offense with 185 ypg. They’ve been careful though, throwing only 2 INTs (best in the MVFC) and having an offensive efficiency rating of 149.6…#2 in the conference. On the other side of the ball, they’re giving up the 7th most points in conference games (32.1 ppg) and 9th most yards (479 ypg). Their pass defense is a little better (8th, 237 ypg) than their run defense (10th, 242 ypg). Their offense is led by QB Ryan Boyle, a Junior transfer from the U of Iowa, who puts up 125 ypg and 7 TDs in MVFC games, but also is the #4 rusher in the conference, averaging 82 ypg with 4 TDs. RB Titus McCoy has picked up his yardage quite a bit in the last couple of weeks, averaging 127.5 ypg in the last two games with 2 rushing TDs against ILSU. WR Dante Hendrix is the top receiver, with 73.4 receiving yards per game and 4 TDs against conference teams. WRs Dante Jones II and Freshman Dakota Caton are both decent secondary receiving targets as well. The INSU defense has a handful of “tackling machines” with the #1-#3 tacklers in the conference: LB Jonas Griffith (13.3 tackles per game), LB Katrell Moss (12.6), and DB Jamal Jones (9.9). Griffith is, by the sounds of it, a bit banged up, but he’s currently #1 in the entire FCS in solo tackles, averaging 7.3 per game. Jones leads the conference in fumbles recovered with 3 in 7 MVFC games.

About Western Illinois: The Leathernecks are #7 in the MVFC in scoring, putting up 26 ppg, and are #6 in total offense (385 ypg). Their passing game is #1 in the conference, averaging 281 ypg, but the run game is last at 104 ypg. QB Sean McGuire is second in the MVFC in passing ypg with 270 and 14 TDs with 8 INTs. The top WIU receivers are Isaiah Lesure, who has 82 ypg and 4 TDs and RB Clint Ratkovich with 63 ypg and 3 TD. LeSure though, has struggled significantly over the last couple of weeks with dropping fairly easy passes. RB Steve McShane is an all-purpose threat, running for 56 ypg w/ 5 TDs and catching 32 yards worth of passes per game with 2 receiving TDs. McShane is also the #2 punt return guy in the conference, averaging 9.1 yards per return. WIU’s defense allows 26.3 ppg (6th) and 333 ypg (3rd) and are particularly strong against the run, allowing only 115 ypg (2nd) and sitting at #1 in total sacks. They have 217 ypg allowed through the air (4th). LB Quentin Moon is the top tackler with 8.9 per game, but LB Pete Swenson not only leads the conference, but also the entire FCS in both sacks and tackles for loss. Swenson averages 1.71 sacks per game against MVFC teams. DBs Xavier Rowe, Zach Muniz, and Justin Fitzpatrick all average 1+ passes defended per game with Rowe and Fitzpatrick each having 2 interceptions. Moon and Swenson are also #1 and 2 in the MVFC in forcing fumbles, with 4 and 3 respectively in the team’s 7 conference games.

My Take: Despite Indiana State’s winning streak (yes, that sounds weird to me too) and WIU losing last weekend, the Leathernecks are still favored in this game by a little bit. By many accounts, this game is essentially a “play-in” game for an at-large playoff spot. Indiana State has already locked in their first winning season since 2014, but will reach 7-4 and a playoff spot with one more win (all of which is a huge improvement over their 0-11 season last year). WIU stands a decent chance of making it into the playoffs with a win here and a little help around the rest of the FCS. To win this game, the WIU offense will have to be able to put together sustained drives…something they struggled with against USD…and can’t have as many dropped passes. As a Leatherneck fan, I’m hoping that the last-ranked run defense of INSU will allow us to get some kind of ground game going so that we can have a more balanced offense. WIU’s defense also has the ability to put pressure on traditionally “running” QBs. The top few QBs in the conference for rushing yards are INSU’s Ryan Boyle, SIU’s Matt DeSomer, NDSU’s Easton Stick, and MSU’s Peyton Huslig, all of which average 36+ ypg on the ground. Against DeSomer, Stick, and Huslig, WIU’s defense gave up a total of 26 rushing yards. Boyle is a better runner than those other three, but I think they should still be able to contain him fairly well. With both teams essentially fighting for a playoff spot, you can bet Indiana State will bring everything they’ve got. WIU needs a game that is much closer to how they played against UNI to come away with a win. My optimistic prediction is that WIU is able to grind out a 6-point win, 33-27.

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South Dakota at South Dakota State

The Series: The Coyotes and Jackrabbits have met on the football field…well…a lot, but I’m not sure how much exactly. If you go by what SDSU’s media guide says, 110 matchups with SDSU holding a 53-50-7 advantage. According to USD though, it’s 112 meetings and SDSU has a 54-51-7 series lead beginning back in 1889. I don’t know for sure which is correct, but either way, they’ve played a lot and for a long time. SDSU has won the last 9 straight and last year’s game was a 31-28 win for the Jackrabbits in Vermillion.

USD’s Record: South Dakota is 4-6 with a 3-4 conference record. They opened the season with a 3-point loss to FBS K-State, then a win over Northern Colorado and a loss at Weber State. In the MVFC, they have losses against UNI, YSU, NDSU, and INSU (3 OT) and wins over SIU, MSU, and last week over WIU.

SDSU’s Record: South Dakota State is 7-2 overall and 5-2 against MVFC teams. Their FBS game against Iowa State was cancelled but they beat both Montana State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff at home. In the conference, they beat INSU (OT), YSU, ILSU, MSU, and SIU and have losses against NDSU and UNI.

About South Dakota: The Coyotes have one of the top passing offenses in the MVFC, sitting at #2 in MVFC games with 274 ypg, however their running game is 8th with 136 ypg. They are #4 in both scoring (27.1 ppg) and total yardage (410 ypg). QB Austin Simmons is the top passing QB in the conference with 271 ypg and has thrown 10 TDs and 5 INTs. On the receiving end of things are WRs Dakarai Allen (81 ypg w/ 3 TDs) and Shamar Jackson (41 ypg). The ground game is led by RB Kai Henry with 59 ypg and 6 TDs, but QB Simmons also helps out in that area as well, running for 30 ypg with 1 TD. In total, Simmons accounts for 301 ypg of total offense (27 ypg more than the #2 guy). The defense is in the lower half of the conference in most categories: 8th in points allowed (35 ppg), 7th in total defense (447 ypg), 8th against the run (216 ypg) and 6th against the pass (231 ypg). LB Jack Cochrane leads the team in tackles, averaging 8 per game over 7 MVFC matchups. Twin brothers Andrew (DB) and Alex (LB) average 7.9 and 7.6 tackles per game respectively. DL Darin Greenfield picks up 1.14 tackles for loss per game. Overall, USD struggles at the line of scrimmage on both sides, sitting in last place in both sacks allowed (for O-Line) and sacks by (for their defense).

About South Dakota State: The Jackrabbits offense is the most productive in the conference, putting up the most points per game (38.6) and yards per game (454). Their passing game is 3rd with 248 ypg and their run game is 4th with 206 ypg. QB Taryn Christion has thrown for 247 ypg with 16 TDs and 6 INTs in MVFC games this season and has also run for 27 ypg and 3 TDs. WR Cade Johnson is the top receiver in the conference, picking up 102 ypg with 7 TDs and WR Adam Anderson gets 62 ypg with 5 TDs. Despite the injuries to RBs Isaac Wallace and C.J. Wilson, the Jackrabbits running game is in good shape for this year and into the future, with R-Fr. RB Pierre Strong Jr. running for 324 yards and 5 TDs in the last two games and RB Mikey Daniel averaging 58 ypg with 5 TDs in MVFC games. Wilson is a true freshman and was averaging 54 ypg with 1 rushing and 1 receiving TD. He played in 5 games this season, so is unable to use the new “4-game redshirt” rule to count this year as a redshirt year. Their defense isn’t quite as good as the offense, but is still decent, coming in at #3 in points allowed (25.1 ppg)) and 6th in yards allowed (400 ypg). They’re 6th against the run (179 ypg) and 5th against the pass (220 ypg). LB Christian Rozeboom leads the team with 7.4 tackles per game in MVFC contests, while DE Ryan Earith is in the top 10 of the conference in tackles for loss (7.5 in 7 games) and sacks (4). CB Jordan Brown defends passes at a rate of 1.43 per game (8 breakups, 2 INTs) which ties him at #3 in the MVFC.

My Take: This is a big game for both teams…not so much because of playoff consideration (SDSU is already in but are hoping to improve their position, USD is already out regardless of what happens on Saturday)…but because this is the most played matchup for either team. It doesn’t seem to get as much publicity as the Dakota Marker game (NDSU and SDSU) but it’s still pretty huge to the two schools involved. Also, according to Wikipedia, it’s the oldest rivalry in college football between two public universities in the same state that are between the University of ___ and ___ State University…so…um…that’s a thing. USD’s defense has generally allowed quite a bit of yardage and points…two things SDSU’s offense can put up in large quantities. USD’s offense isn’t too bad and will be able to put together a few drives, but I think SDSU’s ability to control the game when they have the ball will allow them to get the win. I’m thinking something around a 37-23 victory for the Jackrabbits.

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Southern Illinois at North Dakota State

The Series: SIU and NDSU have faced off 10 times, technically starting in 1963, but then not again until 2005. NDSU holds a 7-3 series lead and have won the last 6 matchups. The two teams didn’t play last year or in 2016, but in the last meeting NDSU won 35-29 in Carbondale in 2015.

SIU’s Record: Southern Illinois is 2-8 on the season with a 1-6 conference record. In the non-conference portion of their schedule, they won at Murray State, lost at FBS Ole Miss, and lost a close game against non-conference rival Southeast Missouri State. In the MVFC, they have a win over Missouri State and have lost to USD, YSU, ILSU, INSU, WIU, and SDSU.

NDSU’s Record: North Dakota State has been nearly the exact opposite of SIU, going 10-0 so far and 7-0 in the MVFC. They beat Cal Poly, North Alabama, and Delaware, all at home. In conference they have wins over SDSU (the closest game of the season so far), UNI, WIU, ILSU, USD, YSU, and MSU.

About Southern Illinois: In the MVFC games, SIU’s offense ranks 8th in both scoring (25.7 ppg) and passing yardage (186 ypg). Their ground game is quite a bit better though, averaging 239 ypg and is ranked 3rd, which combined, puts them at 5th for total yards with 405 ypg. QB Matt DeSomer only gets 125 ypg with 7 TDs and 2 INTs through the air, but is also the Salukis’ #2 rusher (59 ypg w/ 6 TDs) behind RB D.J. Davis (92 ypg w/ 4 TDs). Davis also has a few catches and handles kick return duties, which combined puts him at #1 in the conference in All-Purpose yards. RB Jonathan Mixon is something of a short-down/goal-line fullback runner…with 44 ypg and 3 TDs. WR Raphael Leonard gets most of the receiving yards with 74 ypg and 2 TDs. SIU’s defense is in the bottom 3 in the conference in most major defense categories, allowing 35.6 ppg and 458 total ypg with 210 ypg coming on the ground and 247 through the air. LB Bryce Notree leads the team in tackles with 7.7 per game and DE Anthony Knighton is in the top 3 in the conference in both tackles for loss (1.29/game) and sacks (.86/game). DB Jeremy Chinn is #5 at defending passes, averaging 1.33/game with 3 interceptions.

About North Dakota State: NDSU has the #2 offense for scoring (37.6 ppg) and for total yards (425 ypg). They actually have only the 9th most productive passing game (186 ypg), but their offensive efficiency is over 15 points better than the #2 team; they’ve only thrown 3 interceptions; and their running game more than makes up for it, sitting at #1 in the conference with 239 ypg. QB Easton Stick is the one with those 186 passing ypg with 16 TDs and 3 interceptions, quite often passing to WR Darrius Shepherd, who has 90 ypg and 4 TDs. Shepherd is also the best punt returner in the conference averaging 19.7 yards per return (the #2 guy is at 9.1). As I mentioned, though, the strength is in the ground attack, led by RB Lance Dunn with 75 ypg and 5 TDs and RB Bruce Anderson with 54 ypg. QB Stick also is a running threat, picking up 43 ypg with 6 TDs. The punter, Garret Wegner is #1 in the conference, averaging 43.5 yards per punt on 35 punts with 16 inside the red zone. The Bison defense is…by quite a bit…#1 in the conference in most defensive categories: scoring (13.9 ppg…#2 is 23.3), total yards allowed (330 ypg), and rushing yards allowed (113). If there’s a weakness, it’s that they’re “only” 3rd in their pass defense, allowing 217 ypg. LB Jabril Cox leads the team with 7.3 tackles per game, has 4 sacks and 2 interceptions.

My Take: SIU’s run game is decent, but struggled against teams with decent run defenses like YSU, ILSU, and WIU. I don’t think NDSU will have much trouble with that aspect and they really won’t have a problem stopping SIU’s (not much of a) passing game. I mean…it’s the #1 team in the FCS vs the last place team in the conference. Unless the Bison players all forget what day the game is on, we should be seeing the second string by halftime. SIU came into this season with fairly high hopes, but they’ll be going out with a loss. NDSU doesn’t usually run up the score on anyone, but they did beat MSU 48-7 last week and despite SIU beating MSU head to head, they don’t really appear to be any better of a team. I think that’s going to be around the same result this week…I’ll say 45-10 for NDSU.

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Missouri State at Northern Iowa

The Series: The Bears and Panthers have matched up 38 times beginning in 1980 and with UNI holding an impressive 33-5 record in that time. They’ve won the last 12 meetings between the two teams and last year’s game was a 25-10 Panther victory in Springfield, MO.

MSU’s Record: Missouri State is 4-6 overall and 2-5 in the MVFC. They opened with a loss at FBS Oklahoma State, then a home win over DII Lincoln University and a big home win over then-top 25-ranked Northern Arizona. In the conference, they have wins over ILSU and INSU, and losses against USD, WIU, SIU, SDSU, and last week against NDSU.

UNI’s Record: Northern Iowa is 5-5 with a 4-3 conference record. With a win this weekend, they could theoretically have a shot at a spot in the playoffs, although that seems pretty unlikely and they’d need a LOT of help from other teams to be in the conversation. They opened the season with losses at Montana and then at FBS Iowa before heading home for a shutout win over Hampton. In the MVFC, they shut out INSU, beat USD, SDSU, and ILSU, and lost to NDSU, WIU, and YSU.

About Missouri State: The Bears offense is fairly underwhelming, ranking last in the conference in scoring (20.6 ppg) and in total yardage (339 ypg). The passing game isn’t too bad, coming in 5th with 220 ypg, but the ground game is 9th with 118 ypg. QB Peyton Huslig puts up an average of 216 ypg with 9 TDs and 10 INTs. He’s got a few solid receivers that he can throw to, with WRs Tyler Currie (66 ypg w/ 4 TDs) and Lorenzo Thomas (53 ypg w/ 1 TD) topping the list. RB Donovan Daniels is the best rusher on the team, but only gets 32 ypg w/ 3 TDs. QB Huslig can also run the ball some, getting 28 ypg and 4 TDs. MSU’s defense has also struggled, sitting at the bottom of the conference allowing 38.4 ppg and 483 ypg. Their run defense is second to last, allowing 235 ypg, and their pass defense gives up the most yards in the MVFC, allowing 249 ypg. LBs Angelo Garbutt and McNeese Egbim lead the defense with 9.7 and 8.9 tackles per game respectively. DE Matt McClellan is decent at putting pressure on the opposing QB with 6.5 tackles for loss (4 sacks) in 7 games.

About Northern Iowa: The Panthers are sitting around the middle of the conference in scoring, putting up 26.1 ppg, but are down at 9th for total yardage (359 ypg). They have the #7 run game (136 ypg) and #4 passing game (223 ypg). QB Eli Dunne handles the passing and has 10 TDs with 4 INTs. TE Briley Moore had been the top receiver at 51 ypg w/ 3 TDs, but after a scary collision in the game against YSU, Moore was carted off the field. From what I’ve read on other forums, he’ll likely be ok, wanted to walk off the field, but they wouldn’t let him for safety reasons (thanks to “Clenz” for the info). Since it’s unlikely that even a win will extend UNI’s season, I don’t think it likely that Moore will be playing. We’ll probably see some of UNI’s other receivers get a bit more catches and experience in this game. RB Marcus Weymiller (84 ypg w/ 3 TDs) will likely be getting the majority of the carries. PK Austin Errthum has been pretty solid this season, hitting 12 of 14 FG attempts with a long of 46 in MVFC games. The Panther defense is…above average. They’re 4th in the conference for scoring (25.3 ppg allowed) and 5th in yards allowed (368 ypg), and are a little better against the run (4th, 132 ypg) than they are against the pass (7th, 236 ypg). LB Duncan Ferch averages 8.7 tackles per game, and DB Korby Sander and Christian Jegen both get around 7.7 tackles per game. Ferch also is #3 in the conference in defended passes with 1.43/game and 2 interceptions. LB Rickey Neal Jr. is #2 in the conference for tackles for loss, with 1.36/game, and DB Xavior Williams has 3 interceptions, one of which was returned for a TD near the end of the win over SDSU. Williams is also the #2 kick return guy in the conference, averaging 26.9 yards per return.

My Take: I think it’s safe to say that it’s been a disappointing season for both of these teams and they both want to finish out on something of a high note. “Disappointing” for each of these teams is relative though, and MSU would probably like to have had a season a bit closer to what UNI had, which is likely going to end up at 6-5 because I think UNI will take this game by around 34-20.

Nobody really wanted to go to the playoffs this year, right?

The Scores

Northern Iowa – 10
Youngstown State – 31

Illinois State – 23
Indiana State – 28

Western Illinois – 12
South Dakota – 17

South Dakota State – 57
Southern Illinois – 38

North Dakota State – 48
Missouri State – 7

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Northern Iowa at Youngstown State

UNI and YSU started the game trading drives that pretty much went nowhere. Eventually, with about 5 minutes left in the first quarter, the Penguins QB Montgomery VanGorder hit WR Darius Shackleford with a 62-yard TD pass to take a 7-0 lead. Into the second quarter, UNI RB Marcus Weymiller fumbled the ball at their own 11, which was recovered at the 5 by YSU DE Shereif Bynum. One 5-yard TD run by RB Tevin McCaster and YSU was up 14-0. With less than a minute left to go in the first half, the Panthers finally put points on the board with a 4-yard TD pass to TE Briley Moore after they’d been set up with good field position following a 26-yard punt return by WR Jalen Rima. YSU then ran out the clock on the first half, going to the locker room with a 14-7 lead.

In the second half, it took Youngstown State all of two plays to cover 81 yards and hit “pay dirt” again with a 52-yard pass to TE Miles Joiner was followed up with a 29-yard TD run by RB McCaster. UNI responded on their next drive, however, after DB Xavior Williams had a big kickoff return and the Panthers were able to pull within range of a 34-yard FG by PK Austin Errthum, making it 21-10. A little while later, YSU found the end zone again after a long 12-play drive capped off with a 1-yard TD run by RB McCaster and the Penguins were up 28-10. In the 4th quarter, a pass by YSU QB VanGorder was intercepted by UNI DB Williams and returned 61 yards all the way to the YSU 4 yard line. A 3-yard run got UNI to the 1 yard line, but then a snap over the head of QB Eli Dunne would be picked up by YSU LB Ray Anderson and run back 45 more yards, not only killing UNI’s chances at a score, but also giving YSU the ball at the UNI 36. A few plays later, PK Zak Kennedy hit a 28-yard FG to make it 31-10 Penguins, but on the ensuing kickoff, there was a scary situation with the TE Moore when he ran headfirst into his own player and was down and not moving for a significant amount of time. They were able to load him into a cart and he gave a thumbs up as he was taken off the field, so hopefully everything will be ok with the young man. From there, Youngstown State was able to hold the Panthers the rest of the game to seal the 31-10 victory.

UNI QB Eli Dunne had only 73 passing yards with 1 TD in this game, with the TD going to TE Briley Moore. RB Marcus Weymiller ran for 89 yards but also fumbled the ball once. DB Korby Sander, RB (RB?) Christian Jegen, and LB Duncan Ferch all had 8 tackles, and DB Xavior Williams had 3 tackles to go along with his interception. YSU QB Montgomery VanGorder threw for 209 yards and 1 TD with 1 INT, with 73 of those yards and the TD going to WR Darius Shackleford. RB Tevin McCaster had a great day rushing for 136 yards and 3 TDs. LB Armand Dellovade led the Penguins with 9 tackles, DT Savon Smith had 5 tackles and a sack, and both DE Shereif Bynum and LB Ray Anderson had fumble recoveries.

Northern Iowa sees their playoff chances drop to nearly zero, falling to 5-5 overall and 4-3 in the MVFC. They will finish out their season hosting Missouri State next weekend. Youngstown State’s win takes them to 4-6 with a 3-4 conference record and will finish up with a road game at Illinois State next weekend.

PENGUINS WIN!!!

Happy to send the seniors off with a 31-10 victory over #22 UNI on Senior Day!

More details coming soon on https://t.co/SHc2Iq3N2J.#GoGuins🐧 pic.twitter.com/D63VdpGE3W

— YSU Football (Archived) – now @ysufootball (@YoungstownStFB) November 10, 2018

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Illinois State at Indiana State

This battle between ISU’s was essentially a must-win for both teams if they wanted to keep their playoff hopes alive. Around 7 minutes into the first quarter the Redbirds struck first, with kicker JT Bohlken hitting a 27-yard FG to take a 3-0 lead. Two plays from scrimmage later, the Sycamores gave it right back to the Redbirds when QB Ryan Boyle’s pass was intercepted by ILSU DB Luther Kirk. The ILSU offense moved down the field and scored again on a 26-yard TD run by RB Markel Smith, going up 10-0. The second quarter, though, INSU came roaring back, when, after a fumble forced by INSU DB Denzel Bonner and recovered by LB Matt Thompson, INSU RB Titus McCoy ran the ball 34 yards to the 4, then the final 4 for a TD on the next play to pull within 3. On ILSU’s next drive, INSU DB Bonner one-upped himself by intercepting a pass by ILSU QB Brady Davis giving the Sycamores the ball at the Illinois State 25. 6 plays later, they were back in the end zone on a 6-yard pass to WR Dante Jones II to take a 14-10 lead, and then after holding ILSU to a 3-and-out and getting good field position on a bad punt, the Sycamore offense found their way to the blue turf once again on a 2-yard run by RB McCoy. Late in the half, ILSU kicker JT Bohlken missed a 30-yard FG attempt, keeping the score 21-10 going into halftime.

In the second half, it was again the Redbirds’ turn to get the points, when an 11-play, 57-yard drive ended in a 2-yard TD pass to WR Spencer Schnell. Late in the 3rd, they’d go for it on a 4th and 2 at the INSU 34, but turned the ball over on downs. In the 4th, the Sycamores’ first drive finished with a 25-yard TD pass to WR Dakota Caton, putting the “trees” up 28-17. Their defense held the next drive and once they got the ball back, despite not getting very far (37 yards), INSU was able to eat nearly 6 ½ minutes of clock time with 11 plays including 8 straight runs. Five plays into the Redbirds’ next drive, a Davis pass was intercepted by INSU DB Jamal Jones. They didn’t do much with it, and once ILSU got the ball back, they were able to drive 84 yards down the field ending in a 15-yard TD pass to WR Schnell to pull within 5. Unfortunately for the Redbirds, the drive used up nearly 2 minutes and they were left with less than 30 seconds when the onside kick failed and Indiana State was able to hold on to win 28-23.

ILSU QB Brady Davis threw for 294 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs and had two receivers go over 100 yards: Spencer Schnell (155 yards and 2 TDs) and Andrew Edgar (104 yards). RB Markel Smith ran for 83 yards and 1 TD. DE Romeo McKnight and DB Luther Kirk led the Redbirds with 9 tackles and Kirk had an interception. INSU QB Ryan Boyle only had 82 yards passing with 2 TDs (to receivers Dante Jones II and Dakota Caton) and 1 interception. RB Titus McCoy had 132 rushing yards and 2 TDs. LB Katrell Moss topped the list with 13 tackles (7 solo) and 1 sack and was awarded the MVFC Defensive Player of the Week award, and LB Jonas Griffith had 10 tackles (9 solo). DB Jamal Jones had an interception, as did DB Denzel Bonner. Bonner also forced a fumble recovered by LB Matt Thompson.

Illinois State saw their playoff hopes dashed, falling to 5-5 with a 2-5 conference record. They’ll host Youngstown State next weekend to close out the season. Indiana State on the other hand, is still in business, now at 6-4 and 4-3 in the MVFC and they’ll hit the road to close out the regular season at Western Illinois, needing one more win to likely claim a playoff spot.

Sycamores take down #22 Illinois State on Senior Day and have now won four-straight! #ALLIN #MarchOn pic.twitter.com/X238WZkZgE

— Indiana State Football (@IndStFB) November 10, 2018

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Western Illinois at South Dakota

WIU scored first on a 52-yard FG early in the game, but South Dakota took their first lead shortly thereafter on a 2-yard TD pass to WR Caleb Vander Esch after a 75-yard drive. A good kick return for the Leathernecks gave them the ball on USD’s 42 yard line, but they weren’t able to do anything with it, having to settle for a punt, pinning the Coyotes deep at their own 9 yard line. Early in the 2nd, USD was making all the plays they needed to to move the ball, but went for a long pass that was intercepted in the end zone by WIU DB Xavier Rowe for a touchback. Later, despite poor tackling from the Leatherneck defenders, USD was stopped short on a 3rd and 15 with an 11 yard gain, but a great punt pinned WIU at their own 1 yard line. They were able to drive the ball across to the USD 23 but missed on the 39-yard FG attempt. Nearing the end of the first half, with USD nearing the end zone, QB Austin Simmons fumbled the ball around the 1 yard line which was recovered in the WIU end zone for another turnover touchback, keeping the score at 7-3 going into halftime.

Five minutes into the second half, USD’s drive stalled out in the red zone and had to settle for a 32-yard FG by kicker Mason Lorber to pull ahead 10-3. On WIU’s next drive, a 45-yard pass got WIU within the red zone, but an tipped pass was intercepted by South Dakota DB Michael Frederick to give them the ball at their own 5 yard line. Early in the 4th quarter, WIU was able to get close enough for kicker Sam Crosa to hit a 44-yard FG making the score 10-6, but USD was able to answer with a long drive for a 4-yard TD run by RB Kai Henry to go ahead 17-6 with just over 9 minutes left in the game. Having no luck on offense, WIU has to resort to a blocked punt to find the end zone, but the 2-pt conversion failed leaving the Leathernecks down by 5 with 5 minutes left to play and no time outs. The comeback eventually failed and WIU dropped the game 17-12.

WIU QB Sean McGuire threw for 251 yards with 1 interception, with 116 yards of that going to RB Clint Ratkovich. He would have done quite a bit better, but for some reason a lot of the passes ended up being dropped by receivers (like…easy catches, nobody around, right in their hands.) The run game woes returned for the Leathernecks though, as the team was held to only 21 net yards combined. Ratkovich also led the team in rushing yards though, with 18. LB Quentin Moon led the team in tackles with 10 (7 solo) and had a forced fumble recovered by DB Darren Wheeler. LB Pete Swenson continued his string of terrorizing QBs with 3 sacks and a pass breakup. USD QB had 220 yards passing with 1 TD and 1 INT, with 71 of those yards going to WR Kody Case. RB Kai Henry had 70 rushing yards with 1 TD. LB Alex Coker led the team with 10 tackles (2 solo) and DB Michael Frederick had 8 tackles and an interception. Punter Brady Schutt had 6 punts that averaged 48.8 yards per with 2 inside the 20 including one that rolled out of bounds at the 1 yard line. Schutt earned the MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

Western Illinois is now mostly out of playoff consideration as well, although would likely have the best chance of any of the 6-5 teams…IF (big “if” there) they were to win their last game. The Leathernecks are now 5-5 with a 4-3 conference record and host a surging Indiana State team at home for Senior Day next weekend. South Dakota brings their record to 4-6 with a 3-4 MVFC record and will hit the road, taking on in-state rival South Dakota State next weekend.

Final USD 17, WIU 12
The South Dakota defense keeps Western Illinois' offense out of the end zone to secure a senior day victory! #WeAreSouthDakota #GoYotes pic.twitter.com/LSU45cHYFt

— South Dakota Football (@SDCoyotesFB) November 10, 2018

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South Dakota State at Southern Illinois

Offenses were on display in Carbondale, as the Jackrabbits got things started on their first drive with RB Mikey Daniel running the ball in for a TD to take an early lead. Halfway through the 1st, the Salukis got their first points on a 50-yard FG. SDSU responded with a 21-yard FG on their next series, making it 10-3. SIU got down to the SDSU 1-yard line as the quarter ended, but had to wait until early in the 2nd to make it into the end zone on a 1-yard run by QB Matt DeSomer, tying things up at 10. A couple of drives later, SIU had to punt from their 22 yard line, but the kick was blocked by CB Don Gardner and recovered in the end zone by WR Jadon Janke for a TD. SIU took 13 plays to move 75 yards on their next drive, finishing with another 1-yard run by QB DeSomer, but the Jackrabbits answered right back with a 72-yard TD run by RB Pierre Strong Jr. on the second play to go up 24-17. Nearing the end of the half, SDSU QB Taryn Christion hit WR Cade Johnson for a 56-yard TD pass (XP failed), putting the score at 30-17 going into halftime.

In the 3rd quarter, Southern Illinois started with the ball and drove down the field, scoring on a 10-yard run by QB DeSomer to pull back within 6. Three plays later, South Dakota State was back in the end zone on a 42-yard TD pass to WR Johnson (2-pt conversion failed). A 67-yard run by SIU RB DJ Davis got the Salukis close, and DeSomer would again run it in, this time from 10 yards out, making it 36-31 Jackrabbits. They’d respond again though, with RB Strong taking the ball another 43 yards into the end zone. SIU stalled out on their drive, but SDSU didn’t have the same problems, using a 26-yard pass to WR Johnson to get close and let RB Daniel run it the last yard into the end zone to pull ahead 50-31. The Salukis weren’t about ready to give up though, as a pass to WR Raphael Leonard was taken 53 yards and across the goal line to end the 3rd quarter down 50-38. SDSU came right back in the 4th though as RB Strong would again live up to his name, powering himself 24 yards into the end zone and giving the Jackrabbits a 57-38 lead. Apparently that was the point where the bus carrying the defenses showed up, because SIU got to the SDSU 9, but came away empty handed, then SDSU missed a 48-yard FG, SIU had a pass intercepted, SDSU missed a 28-yard FG, and Southern Illinois would run out of time, falling 57-38 to South Dakota State

SDSU QB Taryn Christion threw for 341 yards and 2 TDs and ran for 30 yards. R-Freshman Pierre Strong Jr. ran for 188 yards with 3 TDs and received the MVFC Newcomer of the Week award. WR Cade Johnson hauled in 7 catches for 198 yards and 2 TDs. LB Christian Rozeboom led the Jackrabbits with 12 tackles, Safety Brandon Snyder had 5 tackles with a sack and an interception, and punter Brady Hale averaged 43.3 yards on 3 punts with 2 inside the 20. SIU QB Matt DeSomer had 184 yards and 1 TD through the air (the late INT was thrown by QB Sam Straub) and ran for 66 yards and 4 TDs. The passing TD went to WR Raphael Leonard who also had 76 yards, and RB DJ Davis ran for a career-high 201 yards. Safety Qua Brown topped the Salukis with 11 tackles while DE Anthony Knighton had 6 tackles, 3 of which were for loss including 2 sacks. Punter Lane Reazin had 3 kicks averaging 45.3 yards per with 1 inside the 20.

South Dakota State finds themselves essentially a lock for the playoffs now, sitting at 7-2 with a 5-2 conference record. They’ll close out the regular season hosting in-state rival South Dakota next Saturday. Southern Illinois drops another and is 2-8 with a 1-6 conference record and having been long-since eliminated from playoff contention, will hit the road to Fargo to take on the undefeated Bison next weekend.

FINAL: #6 South Dakota State 57, Southern Illinois 38 … Jackrabbits improve to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in @ValleyFootball … SDSU closes regular season at home against South Dakota on Nov. 17 — 2 p.m. kickoff at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium pic.twitter.com/Ar54ywSRG4

— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) November 10, 2018

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North Dakota State at Missouri State

I mean…I think we all can figure out by now that if Missouri State had won this game, it’d be a giant upset discussed all over the message boards, twitter, reddit, etc. and you would have heard about it by now. So, since you didn’t, you know that MSU didn’t…and I’m going to do this one a bit differently than usual. In the first quarter, NDSU had TDs from: a 29-yard pass to WR Dallas Freeman, a 29-yard pass to TE Ben Ellefson, and a 43-yard pass to TE Nate Jenson…and they had a successful onside kick. MSU meanwhile, had 3 plays going a total of 9 yards, 0 first downs…and threw an interception. First play in the second half was another Bison TD on a 5-yard pass to TE Ellefson, although MSU’s defense started to step up a bit, forcing NDSU to punt on back to back drives. Eventually the Bison broke through again on a 27-yard pass to RB Lance Dunn, to make the score at this point 34-0 NDSU. MSU’s defense was able to get a sack on NDSU QB Easton Stick and get an interception on the next play, but considering their only first downs of the first half were 3 in one drive earlier in the 2nd quarter, they didn’t come away with any points this time.

In the second half, about 6 minutes in, the Bears finally reached the end zone after a couple of big plays got them close and RB Jeremiah Wilson ran it 6 yards in for a TD. NDSU came right back with 4 plays finishing RB Adam Cofield running 14-yards into the end zone, making the score 41-7. On their next drive, Cofield decided he liked it so much that he returned to the end zone, running it in from 5-yards out to pull ahead 48-7. In the final quarter, NDSU essentially just ran the ball a whole lot, eating time. MSU meanwhile, did pick up some yardage on a couple of drives, but none were able to get them close enough to score, and the score would stay 48-7 to the end, with the Bison remaining undefeated.

NDSU QB Easton Stick threw for 238 yards, 5 TDs and 1 INT, ran for 11 yards and earned the MVFC Offensive Player of the Week Award. Even more impressively, he also surpassed former NDSU QB Brock Jenson at the top of the career passing yardage list and now holds that school record. RB Seth Wilson led the Bison on the ground with 95 yards, but RB Adam Cofield found the end zone twice while running for 85 yards. TE Nate Jenson had 81 receiving yards and 1 TD on 2 catches, while TE Ben Ellefson had 2 TDs on his 2 catches, WR Dallas Freeman had 1 TD on 2 catches and RB Lance Dunn had 1 catch for 1 TD. LB Jabril Cox led NDSU with 9 tackles including 1 sack. Safety James Hendrix had an interception, and Punter Garret Wegner had a 45 yard average on 5 punts with all but 1 of those ending up within the red zone. MSU QB Peyton Huslig had a rough day, completing only 6 of 23 pass attempts for 87 yards and 1 interception. RB Jeremiah Wilson ran for 87 yards and the lone MSU TD. Safety Jared Beshore and DT Claudio Martin each had 8 tackles (3 solo each) and Martin had 1.5 sacks. LB Kevin Ellis had 6 tackles and an interception.

NDSU is now 10-0 with 7 of those wins in the MVFC and have…well…probably locked up the #1 seed for the playoffs already regardless of what happens next week. It’s unlikely there’ll be much worrying in Fargo though, as the Bison are hosting last-place Southern Illinois next weekend. Missouri State drops to 4-6 and 2-5 in the conference, seeing a promising start to the season head straight down the drain, having lost their last 4 games. They’ll close out their season on the road at Northern Iowa next Saturday.

At the end of the third quarter, #1 North Dakota State leads Missouri State 48-7. pic.twitter.com/F4pCeBaNuj

— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) November 10, 2018

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MVFC Standings

Team, Overall (MVFC) – last game

North Dakota State, 10-0 (7-0) – Southern Illinois
South Dakota State, 7-2 (5-2) – South Dakota
Indiana State, 6-4 (4-3) – @ Western Illinois
Northern Iowa, 5-5 (4-3) – Missouri State
Western Illinois, 5-5 (4-3) – Indiana State
South Dakota, 4-6 (3-4) – @ South Dakota State
Youngstown State, 4-6 (3-4) – @ Illinois State
Illinois State, 5-5 (2-5) – Youngstown State
Missouri State, 4-6 (2-5) – @ Northern Iowa
Southern Illinois, 2-8 (1-6) – @ North Dakota State

As has been the case the last few weeks, “Professor Chaos” over at AnyGivenSaturday.com has written an excellent breakdown of each team’s playoff chances at this point.

The short version is essentially:

• NDSU has locked up the conference auto-bid and probably the #1 seed.
• SDSU has also locked up an at-large playoff spot, but should get a seed if they win their final game.
• INSU should make it in if they win their last game against WIU.
• WIU might have a chance to get an at-large if they beat INSU…but they’d need help from elsewhere.
• UNI essentially needs to win their last game, and hope that a LOT of games go their way across the FCS to have even a slight chance.
• ILSU, MSU, USD, YSU, and SIU are all effectively eliminated.

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How’d I Do?

(do I have to?)

UNI at YSU – I thought UNI by 7, it was YSU by 21. UNI laid an egg (that’s the polite way of saying it, anyway).
ILSU at INSU – I thought ILSU by 3, it was INSU by 5. Oh how the mighty mustache has fallen.
WIU at USD – I thought WIU by 6, it was USD by 5. Honestly I’m not sure either team wanted to win this game…sure didn’t look like it anyway. Someone had to though, so the home team did.
SDSU at SIU – I thought SDSU by 15, it was SDSU by 19. Ok, finally got one right…this one pretty much went “as expected”.
NDSU at MSU – I thought NDS by 26 depending on when NDSU let off the gas, it was NDSU by 41. They let up a bit later, and MSU had a bit more trouble stopping NDSU’s 2nd string. I consider this a win…I need every one I can get these days.

Previously I was 14-11 in my picks. I went 2-3 this week, so I’m sitting at 16-14. I can’t technically finish at .500 on my picks, but if I have another week like this, it’ll be close.

One more weekend of regular season football. One more game for many team’s senior class. One more chance for many fans to see their team play until the long cold winter sets in. The final games of the regular season include Youngstown State at Illinois State, Indiana State at Western Illinois, South Dakota at South Dakota State, Southern Illinois at North Dakota State, and Missouri State at Northern Iowa. INSU @ WIU could be considered a “play-in” game for a playoff spot…maybe, SDSU wants to solidify a decent playoff seed, and NDSU is trying to go undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 2013.