Illinois State football is looking to end the regular season on a high note as the Redbirds host the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on Saturday at noon.
The Vidette sporting staff took a deeper look into this game and came up with their official predictions:
Noah Powell’s prediction
Illinois State hosts North Dakota for Senior Day this Saturday at Hancock Stadium.
Although UND has a sub .500 record of 5-6 in 2024, three of the Fighting Hawks’ losses are by just one possession, giving the Redbirds one of its toughest matchups of the season.
The Fighting Hawks’ offense can put up a lot of points. Murray State found this out on Sept. 28, when UND scored 72 points against them in a win.
Forcing opponents into an offensive shootout has been the name of the game for the Fighting Hawks. However, their No. 91 scoring defense will be the difference in the game on Saturday.
Illinois State’s No. 52 ranked scoring offense has not possessed the same consistent scoring ability as UND but the Redbirds No. 50 scoring defense will be the difference in the game.
If the Redbirds can limit extra possessions against the Fighting Hawks, they leave Senior Day with a win and a likely playoff berth for the first time since 2019.
Score prediction: ISU 35-UND 31
Joe Vieceli’s prediction
It is the final rodeo this weekend for Illinois State and North Dakota, with the regular season coming to a close.
UND was once 5-2. Since then, the Fighting Hawks have crash-landed, losing four straight. Their last win was over a month ago against Northern Iowa.
The Fighting Hawks’ offense has scored 44 touchdowns this season but the Fighting Hawks will hit a roadblock this week against the Redbirds.
ISU’s defense has allowed just 14.6 points per game in the last three weeks. The unit looks the best it has all year.
The Redbirds’ offense has also clicked down the stretch. ISU has outscored its opponents 85-44 in the last three weeks and will have no problem outscoring a demoralized UND team on Saturday.
Even though the Fighting Hawks are in a slump, they were still near the top of the conference early in the season. UND has a talented team that provides a tough contest for the Redbirds.
With that in mind, I still like ISU this week. I think they look ready to make a run in the postseason.
Score prediction: ISU 27-UND 20
Tommy Gatses’ prediction
With one last game remaining before the regular season concludes, the Redbirds aim to secure a postseason berth in a pivotal matchup against the North Dakota State Fighting Hawks.
Illinois State’s offense has been electric, led by quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who has thrown for over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns during ISU’s current four-game winning streak. While the Fighting Hawks may not be playing for postseason contention, they will still look to finish the season strong and snap its four-game losing streak.
The Redbirds’ defense has been a key factor in the team’s late-season surge, allowing just 14 points per game over the last three contests. Linebacker Amir Abdullah has been a force since returning from injury, racking up 3.5 sacks in just three games. On the other hand, North Dakota has struggled with pass protection, giving up seven sacks in its last three matchups.
Wide receiver Bo Belquist has been a dangerous weapon for the Fighting Hawks. He’s produced 890 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season, leading the Missouri Valley Conference in both categories. Illinois State’s secondary will need to play disciplined to contain him, as he is a deep threat capable of making big plays downfield.
With the Redbirds riding a hot streak and playing at home for its first playoff appearance since 2019, expect them to take care of business against North Dakota.
Score Prediction: ISU 35-UND 28
Noah Powell is an Assistant Sports Editor for The Vidette. Powell can be contacted at ntpowel@ilstu.edu. Follow Powell on Twitter at @NoahPowell0599.
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