Venue & Game Info
Stadium: Hancock Stadium (capacity ~12,440)
Location: Normal, Illinois
Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM CT (7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: ESPN+ Varsity Network (radio)
Weather Forecast (Normal, IL)
Conditions: Partly cloudy
Temperature: ~74°F at kickoff, cooling into the 60s by evening
Wind: 5–8 mph
Impact: Comfortable fall football weather; minimal effect on gameplay
Injury Report
North Dakota State Bison:
QB Cole Payton – Probable (minor shoulder soreness)
LB Nathaniel Staehling – Probable (ankle tweak)
Illinois State Redbirds:
QB Zack Annexstad – Probable (hand bruise)
WR Ian Miller – Questionable (hamstring tightness)
Key Player Matchups
QB Cole Payton (NDSU) vs Illinois State Secondary
Payton threw for 273 yards and 2 TDs last week while rushing for 102 yards and a score.
RB TaMerik Williams (NDSU) vs LB Zeke Vandenburgh (ISU)
Williams is a physical runner; Vandenburgh is ISU’s defensive leader and tackling machine.
QB Zack Annexstad (ISU) vs NDSU Pass Rush
Annexstad has been efficient but must avoid turnovers against NDSU’s aggressive front.
WR Ian Miller (ISU) vs CB Destin Talbert (NDSU)
Miller is ISU’s top target; Talbert is a veteran corner with big‑game experience.
Recent Team Form
North Dakota State (4–0, 1–0 MVFC, ranked #1 FCS)
W 51–13 vs South Dakota
W 37–21 vs Drake
W 30–24 (2OT) @ Montana State
W 20–3 vs Sacramento State
Offense: 34.5 PPG Defense: 13.8 PPG
Illinois State (3–1, ranked #6 FCS)
W 27–14 vs Eastern Illinois
W 31–10 vs Western Illinois
L 28–17 @ Central Arkansas
W 24–21 vs Eastern Kentucky
Offense: 24.5 PPG Defense: 18.5 PPG
Series History
All‑time: NDSU leads 15–2
Recent:
2024: NDSU 42–10
2023: NDSU 34–10
2014: NDSU defeated ISU in the FCS National Championship (29–27)
Trend: NDSU has won 13 straight in the series.
ATS (Against the Spread):
NDSU: 3–2 ATS last 5
ISU: 2–3 ATS last 5
Historical Betting Results:
NDSU has covered in 3 of last 4 vs ISU
ISU has failed to cover in 4 of last 5 vs Top‑10 opponents
Projected Score: North Dakota State 31 – Illinois State 17
Game Odds
North Dakota State Bison – 14
Illinois State Redbirds 49
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025
