Week 6 Missouri Valley Football Conference Breakdowns
Southern Illinois @ #14 Illinois State, Saturday, 2:00
Last weekend Illinois State struggled against South Dakota in the DakotaDome. The Redbirds will get back to the dominating ways this weekend as they face Southern Illinois. However, the defense needs to improve on last week, if they don’t then this game will be closer than most expect. Southern Illinois needs this win and they must stay consistent on offense in order to pull off the upset here. They also need to get the ball into the hands of Mi’kail McCall if they want to keep the Illinois State defense on their heels. I think that the Redbird defense will step it up this week and stay undefeated.
Projected Score: Illinois State 31, Southern Illinois 13
#3 Youngstown State @ #1 North Dakota State, Saturday, 2:00
This game is easily the biggest game in the FCS this week. Both of these teams are looking to stay perfect and make a statement that they are the number one team in FCS. This game will come down to defense; both offenses are good, but which ever defense steps up and makes the bigger plays will win the game. North Dakota State’s defense has been impenetrable this year. I’m picking North Dakota State to win this game in Fargo.
Projected Score: North Dakota State 34, Youngstown State 28
Western Illinois @ South Dakota, Saturday, 3:00
South Dakota made a strong statement last weekend as they played with Illinois State the entire game. This weekend they will chase their first MVFC win as they battle it out with Western Illinois. I honestly think that South Dakota is a pretty decent team. They have shown that they struggle against the run, but besides that they look to have a solid offense and a nice pass defense. I don’t see Western Illinois matching up well against this Coyote team. I predict South Dakota gets their first conference win this weekend and comfortably beats the Leathernecks.
Projected Score: South Dakota 42, Western Illinois 13
Missouri State @ Indiana State, Saturday, 3:05
Missouri State needs to get into the win column, but I don’t see it coming here. Indiana State proved last weekend that they still can run the ball and maintain a balance on offense. Watch for Shakir Bell and Mike Perish to establish an offensive tempo quickly as the Sycamores run Missouri State into the ground. Missouri State needs to eliminate the mistakes on both sides of the ball and with penalties if they want to win this game—I just don’t see that happening. Indiana State improves to 4-2 in a good win here.
Projected Score: Indiana State 28, Missouri State 7
See All FCS Games of the Week Breakdowns
