The regular season finale is a big one for both Illinois State and North Dakota, as both teams are seeking a seventh win which could get them into the FCS playoffs.
For the second-straight week, the rushing attack for Illinois State was key to a victory that kept its playoff hopes alive. Against Murray State, the Redbirds recorded a season-high 345 yards on the ground led by Mason Blakemore's 169 yards and three rushing scores. Cole Mueller also had a big day, rushing for 76 yards including a season-long 58-yard score.
North Dakota heads into the game against ISU with a 6-4 record and 4-3 standing in MVFC play after falling 14-10 at then-ranked No. 6 South Dakota last weekend. It was a tale of two halves, with UND pitching a 10-0 shutout at the halfway point and USD scoring 14 unanswered points in the second half.
The Redbirds (6-4, 4-3 MVFC) have won two in a row headed into the Alerus Center, where the No. 13 ranked Fighting Hawks (6-4, 4-3 MVFC) have a staggering 109-29 record in its 21 seasons of existence.
Game time is 1 pm Saturday.
