The FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) is the top echelon in collegiate football, to include Alabama, Michigan, and Notre Dame. Just below the FBS is the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision).
There is quality football in the ranks of the FCS. The alpha conference in the FCS is the Missouri Valley (MVC), an 11-member conference to include Illinois State, Southern Illinois, and Western Illinois. The North Dakota State Bison are premium.
Starting with 2011, North Dakota State has captured the FCS National championship every year except for 2016. Two years ago, James Madison knocked off North Dakota State and then MVC-member Youngstown State in the championship game to claim the FCS championship.
Illinois State and South Dakota State are well-prepared to match North Dakota State in the MVC.
South Dakota State, 5-2 and 3-2 in the MVC, and Illinois State, 5-3 and 2-3, both have lost to North Dakota State this season. Their common target is to qualify for the FCS playoffs.
It was a nice day Saturday with a nice crowd at Hancock Stadium Saturday in Normal.
Visiting South Dakota State took advantage of Illinois State miscues that led to three touchdowns prior to halftime. South Dakota state won, 38-28.
The strength of the MVC is such that Illinois State might still qualify for FCS playoff berth with a strong finish. There is no room for error, however!
Next up for ISU will be a game at Northern Iowa Saturday. Northern Iowa harbors playoff hopes, as well.
• All season, Northern Illinois University has proven to be better on defense than offense. The Huskies’ 7-6 victory at Brigham Young University (BYU) Saturday was a prime example.
Northern Illinois, 5-3 and 4-0 Mid-American Conference West, is in line for a bowl game and a berth in the MAC championship game. Northern Illinois will play at Akron at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 in a MAC game.