A pair of nationally ranked foes will face off Saturday, when No. 22 Illinois State (3-0) hosts No. 9 South Dakota State (3-1) on Homecoming at Hancock Stadium. The game will be the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener for both squads, with each team looking to stay competitive in the league standings.

SDSU is off to a 3-1 start to the season, with the only loss coming in the season opener against FBS foe Missouri. The Jacks have since defeated Cal Poly, Southern Utah and Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Coming off a 55-6 defeat of Austin Peay (Sept. 27), the Redbirds moved up one spot in The Sports Network FCS Top 25 to No. 22 and remained at No. 22 in the FCS Coaches Poll.

Game time Saturday is 2 pm from Hancock Stadium in Normal.