Illinois State at North Dakota State

Saturday, December 6, 2025, FCS Championship – Second Round

Illinois State beat North Dakota State 29–⁠28. It was their 19th meeting; North Dakota State leads the series 16–⁠3.

AwayIllinois State12–⁠5 in 2025
29
HomeNorth Dakota State12–⁠1 in 2025
28

Final at Fargodome, FargoIndoorsTV: ESPN+Attendance 10,464

Official
Gregg WilsonGame officials: stats.ncaa.org box scores, via SportsDataverse

Scoring by quarter

TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
Illinois State01401529
North Dakota State1470728

Standouts

Player stats

Illinois State

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Tommy Rittenhouse35/5224935
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Victor Dawson23137169
Tommy Rittenhouse72409
Seth Glatz71805
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Daniel Sobkowicz867317
Scotty Presson Jr.345025
Dylan Lord942010
Eddie Kasper638016

North Dakota State

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Cole Payton4/1210110
Nathan Hayes2/71900
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Barika Kpeenu1655111
D.J. Scott41507
Nathan Hayes1303
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Bryce Lance178178
Carson Williams122022
RaJa Nelson110010
Jackson Williams1909
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Anthony Chideme-Alfaro0001
Nathaniel Staehling0002
Taylen Eady0001
Donovan Woolen0001

From CollegeFootballData’s box score. Names lead to each player’s page. ★ a career high on file.

Team stats

Illinois StateNorth Dakota State
422Total yards179
249Passing yards120
173Rushing yards59
4.8Yards per pass6.3
4.4Yards per rush2.2
23First downs6
6–⁠18Third downs2–⁠13
4–⁠6Fourth downs1–⁠2
5Turnovers2
4–⁠21Penalties5–⁠54
42:01Possession17:59

Efficiency

Illinois StateNorth Dakota State
34%Success rate23%
−0.30EPA per play−0.16
1.25Explosiveness1.56
−0.07Rushing EPA−0.08
−0.26Passing EPA−0.19
37%Passing-down success11%

From CollegeFootballData.com: each offense’s efficiency, and the havoc each defense caused. The better side of each line is bold.

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Our ratings (scores only)

North Dakota State 84% to win. Illinois State pulled the upset.

Every drive

North Dakota State end zoneIllinois State end zoneQ1 Illinois StateDefensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores)Q1 North Dakota StateResult not recorded, 1 playQ1 Illinois StateInterception, 9 playsQ1 North Dakota StatePunt, 4 playsQ1 Illinois StateDefensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores)Q1 Illinois StateInterception, 6 playsQ1 North Dakota StatePunt, 4 playsQ2 Illinois StateTouchdown, 4 playsQ2 North Dakota StateFumble, 4 playsQ2 Illinois StatePick-six, 2 plays (North Dakota State scores)Q2 Illinois StateTouchdown, 14 playsQ2 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 playsQ2 Illinois StateEnd of half, 1 playQ3 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 playsQ3 Illinois StateInterception, 4 playsQ3 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 playsQ3 Illinois StateTurnover on downs, 15 playsQ3 North Dakota StatePunt, 6 playsQ4 Illinois StateDefensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores)Q4 North Dakota StateResult not recorded, 1 playQ4 Illinois StatePunt, 3 playsQ4 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 playsQ4 Illinois StateTurnover on downs, 10 playsQ4 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 playsQ4 Illinois StateTouchdown, 7 playsQ4 North Dakota StateFumble, 3 playsQ4 Illinois StateTouchdown, 6 playsQ4 North Dakota StateTurnover on downs, 8 playsQ4 Illinois StateEnd of game, 1 play
Solid bars scored; an outline in the other team’s color marks points the defense scored. North Dakota State drives left to right, Illinois State right to left.
  1. Q1 Illinois StateDefensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores), 9 yards
  2. Q1 North Dakota StateResult not recorded, 1 play, 75 yards
  3. Q1 Illinois StateInterception, 9 plays, 34 yards
  4. Q1 North Dakota StatePunt, 4 plays, 15 yards
  5. Q1 Illinois StateDefensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores), 2 yards
  6. Q1 Illinois StateInterception, 6 plays, 31 yards
  7. Q1 North Dakota StatePunt, 4 plays, 11 yards
  8. Q2 Illinois StateTouchdown, 4 plays, 83 yards
  9. Q2 North Dakota StateFumble, 4 plays, 9 yards
  10. Q2 Illinois StatePick-six, 2 plays (North Dakota State scores), −64 yards
  11. Q2 Illinois StateTouchdown, 14 plays, 79 yards
  12. Q2 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 plays, 4 yards
  13. Q2 Illinois StateEnd of half, 1 play, −2 yards
  14. Q3 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 plays, −6 yards
  15. Q3 Illinois StateInterception, 4 plays, 11 yards
  16. Q3 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 plays, −18 yards
  17. Q3 Illinois StateTurnover on downs, 15 plays, 49 yards
  18. Q3 North Dakota StatePunt, 6 plays, 36 yards
  19. Q4 Illinois StateDefensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores), −4 yards
  20. Q4 North Dakota StateResult not recorded, 1 play, 1 yard
  21. Q4 Illinois StatePunt, 3 plays, 3 yards
  22. Q4 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 plays, 1 yard
  23. Q4 Illinois StateTurnover on downs, 10 plays, 56 yards
  24. Q4 North Dakota StatePunt, 3 plays, −1 yard
  25. Q4 Illinois StateTouchdown, 7 plays, 38 yards
  26. Q4 North Dakota StateFumble, 3 plays, −2 yards
  27. Q4 Illinois StateTouchdown, 6 plays, 20 yards
  28. Q4 North Dakota StateTurnover on downs, 8 plays, 22 yards
  29. Q4 Illinois StateEnd of game, 1 play, −4 yards

Play by play

1st quarter9 drives, then North Dakota State 14, Illinois State 0
Illinois State Defensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores)
15:001st & 10 at own 35(15:00) #38 E.Ozick kickoff 65 yards to the ILS00, Touchback
14:531st & 10 at own 25(14:59) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #13 E.Kasper caught at ILS29, for 4 yards to the ILS29 (#6 J.Crumby), out of bounds
14:162nd & 6 at own 29(14:22) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 2 yards gain to the ILS31 (#64 J.Duttenhefer; #93 T.Anene)
13:153rd & 4 at own 31(13:39) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #13 E.Kasper caught at ILS34, for 3 yards to the ILS34 (#43 L.Kopp)
12:504th & 1 at own 34(12:55) #41 H.Futch punt 44 yards to the NDSU22 fair catch by #18 J.Williams at NDSU22
North Dakota State Result not recorded, 1 play
12:391st & 10 at own 22(12:49) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass complete deep left to #5 B.Lance caught at ILS49, for 78 yards to the ILS00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 12:39, 1ST DOWN #38 E.Ozick kick attempt good (H: #39 A.Bickerton, LS: #48 C.Bowers)North Dakota State 7, Illinois State 0
12:391st & 10 at own 35(12:39) #38 E.Ozick kickoff 65 yards to the ILS00, Touchback
12:39Timeout North Dakota State, clock 12:39
Illinois State Interception, 9 plays
12:331st & 10 at own 25(12:38) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short left to #85 J.Charles thrown to ILS24 QB hurried by #52 N.Staehling
12:232nd & 10 at own 25(12:32) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #4 D.Lord caught at ILS23, for 10 yards to the ILS35 (#52 N.Staehling), 1ST DOWN
11:411st & 10 at own 35(11:51) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse rush middle for 9 yards gain to the ILS44, End Of Play
11:002nd & 1 at own 44(11:12) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #4 D.Lord caught at ILS40, for 2 yards to the ILS46 (#6 J.Crumby), 1ST DOWN
10:231st & 10 at own 46(10:31) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush left for 8 yards gain to the NDSU46, End Of Play
9:412nd & 2 at opp 46(09:44) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 2 yards gain to the NDSU44 (#93 T.Anene), 1ST DOWN
8:561st & 10 at opp 44(09:06) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #4 D.Lord caught at NDSU41, for 3 yards to the NDSU41 (#43 L.Kopp), out of bounds
8:172nd & 7 at opp 41(08:23) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short left to #4 D.Lord thrown to NDSU36 broken up by #0 J.Alexander
8:083rd & 7 at opp 41(08:13) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass intercepted by #14 T.Eady at NDSU36, End Of Play
North Dakota State Punt, 4 plays
7:591st & 10 at own 36(08:06) Shotgun #8 B.Kpeenu rush left for 10 yards gain to the NDSU46 (#46 T.Niekamp), 1ST DOWN
8:083rd & 7 at opp 41Timeout Illinois State, clock 08:08
North Dakota State Punt, 4 plays
7:141st & 10 at own 46(07:25) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass complete short middle to #8 B.Kpeenu caught at ILS49, for 5 yards to the ILS49 (#14 M.Kaplan)
6:412nd & 5 at opp 49(06:45) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass incomplete short middle to #19 C.Harris thrown to ILS43
6:353rd & 5 at opp 49(06:36) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass incomplete deep right to #3 R.Nelson thrown to ILS22
6:204th & 5 at opp 49(06:33) #39 A.Bickerton punt 47 yards to the ILS02
Illinois State Defensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores)
6:151st & 10 at own 2(06:19) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short right to #2 D.Sobkowicz thrown to ILS11
6:204th & 5 at opp 49Timeout North Dakota State, clock 06:20
Illinois State Defensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores)
6:072nd & 10 at own 2(06:14) Shotgun #21 S.Glatz rush middle for 1 yard gain to the ILS03 (#2 J.Duffie)
5:253rd & 9 at own 3(05:31) Shotgun #21 S.Glatz rush middle for 1 yard gain to the ILS04 (#58 K.Wilson)
4:404th & 8 at own 4(04:53) #41 H.Futch punt 48 yards to the NDSU48 #18 J.Williams return 52 yards to the ILS00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 04:40 #38 E.Ozick kick attempt good (H: #39 A.Bickerton, LS: #48 C.Bowers)North Dakota State 14, Illinois State 0
Illinois State Interception, 6 plays
4:331st & 10 at own 35(04:40) #38 E.Ozick kickoff 62 yards to the ILS03 #12 M.Gary return 22 yards to the ILS25 (#17 I.St. Romain)
4:261st & 10 at own 25(04:32) Shotgun #21 S.Glatz rush right for 3 yards gain to the ILS28 (#29 D.Givance)
3:472nd & 7 at own 28(03:52) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #13 E.Kasper caught at ILS31, for 3 yards to the ILS31, out of bounds at ILS31
3:013rd & 4 at own 31(03:20) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #13 E.Kasper caught at ILS47, for 16 yards to the ILS47, out of bounds at ILS47, 1ST DOWN
2:231st & 10 at own 47(02:26) Shotgun #21 S.Glatz rush left for 0 yards to the ILS47 (#94 L.Larson)
1:322nd & 10 at own 47(01:45) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #13 E.Kasper caught at NDSU49, for 6 yards to the NDSU47 (#14 T.Eady)
1:043rd & 4 at opp 47(01:08) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass intercepted by #1 D.Woolen at NDSU43 broken up by #93 T.Anene #1 D.Woolen return 1 yard to the NDSU44, End Of Play
North Dakota State Punt, 4 plays
0:561st & 10 at own 44(01:01) #8 B.Kpeenu rush middle for 11 yards gain to the ILS45 (#1 S.Nkuba II; #13 P.Bauer), 1ST DOWN
0:311st & 10 at opp 45(00:31) #8 B.Kpeenu rush left for 2 yards gain to the ILS43 (#46 T.Niekamp)
Q2 14:532nd & 8 at opp 43(14:59) #8 B.Kpeenu rush right for 0 yards to the ILS43 (#56 G.Steffen)
Q2 14:153rd & 8 at opp 43(14:24) Shotgun #9 C.Payton sacked for loss of 2 yards to the ILS45 (#56 G.Steffen)
Q2 13:484th & 10 at opp 45(13:53) #39 A.Bickerton punt 31 yards to the ILS14 fair catch by #13 E.Kasper at ILS14
2nd quarter7 drives, then North Dakota State 21, Illinois State 14
Illinois State Touchdown, 4 plays
13:411st & 10 at own 14(13:47) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 2 yards gain to the ILS16 (#58 K.Wilson)
13:484th & 10 at opp 45Timeout North Dakota State, clock 13:48
Illinois State Touchdown, 4 plays
13:102nd & 8 at own 16(13:10) PENALTY ILS False Start (#67 J.Pope) 5 yards from ILS16 to ILS11. NO PLAY
12:382nd & 13 at own 11(12:56) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #4 D.Lord caught at ILS15, for 4 yards to the ILS15, End Of Play
11:473rd & 9 at own 15(12:04) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #11 S.Presson Jr. caught at ILS29, for 16 yards to the ILS31, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN
11:211st & 10 at own 31(11:27) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 69 yards gain to the NDSU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 11:21, 1ST DOWN #31 M.Maldonado kick attempt good (H: #41 H.Futch, LS: #49 D.Calabrese)North Dakota State 14, Illinois State 7
11:151st & 10 at own 35(11:21) #31 M.Maldonado kickoff 60 yards to the NDSU05 #3 R.Nelson return 19 yards to the NDSU24, End Of Play
11:21Timeout Illinois State, clock 11:21
North Dakota State Fumble, 4 plays
11:091st & 10 at own 24(11:15) #7 D.Scott rush right for 7 yards gain to the NDSU31 (#7 N.True; #46 T.Niekamp)
10:312nd & 3 at own 31(10:37) #7 D.Scott rush right for 0 yards to the NDSU31 (#46 T.Niekamp)
9:413rd & 3 at own 31(09:54) Shotgun #9 C.Payton rush middle for 4 yards gain to the NDSU35 (#39 S.Oduma; #46 T.Niekamp), 1ST DOWN
Illinois State Pick-six, 2 plays (North Dakota State scores)
9:041st & 10 at opp 33PENALTY ILS False Start (#70 L.Brasfield) 5 yards from NDSU33 to NDSU38. NO PLAY
8:571st & 15 at opp 38(09:00) Shotgun #21 S.Glatz rush middle for 5 yards gain to the NDSU33 (#93 T.Anene)
8:092nd & 10 at opp 33Nathaniel Staehling 73 Yd Interception Return (Eli Ozick Kick)North Dakota State 21, Illinois State 7
8:041st & 10 at own 35(08:09) #38 E.Ozick kickoff 64 yards to the ILS01 #12 M.Gary return 17 yards to the ILS18 (#49 M.Stenbroten; #27 R.Jones), out of bounds
8:09Timeout North Dakota State, clock 08:09
9:131st & 10 at own 35(09:13) #8 B.Kpeenu rush left for 2 yards gain to the NDSU37 fumbled by #8 B.Kpeenu at NDSU34 forced by #44 D.Niekamp recovered by ILS #20 C.Richard Jr. at NDSU37 #20 C.Richard Jr. return 4 yards to the NDSU33 (#63 T.Fraley)
Illinois State Touchdown, 14 plays
7:571st & 10 at own 18(08:03) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 9 yards gain to the ILS27 (#6 J.Crumby)
7:222nd & 1 at own 27(07:29) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 5 yards gain to the ILS32 (#43 L.Kopp), 1ST DOWN
6:451st & 10 at own 32(06:52) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 2 yards gain to the ILS34 (#29 D.Givance; #94 L.Larson)
5:532nd & 8 at own 34(06:06) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at ILS46, for 17 yards to the NDSU49, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN
5:191st & 10 at opp 49(05:24) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 1 yard loss to the NDSU50 (#2 J.Duffie)
4:382nd & 11 at the 50(04:46) Shotgun #21 S.Glatz rush left for 4 yards gain to the NDSU46 (#93 T.Anene)
3:483rd & 7 at opp 46(04:01) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse rush right for 5 yards gain to the NDSU41 (#1 D.Woolen; #97 V.Isele)
2:564th & 2 at opp 41(03:07) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #4 D.Lord caught at NDSU46, for 2 yards to the NDSU39 (#52 N.Staehling), 1ST DOWN
3:093rd & 7 at opp 46Timeout Illinois State, clock 03:09
2:251st & 10 at opp 39(02:31) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #84 L.Mailander caught at NDSU41, for 15 yards to the NDSU24 (#1 D.Woolen), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
1:591st & 10 at opp 24(02:05) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 0 yards to the NDSU24 (#58 K.Wilson)
1:442nd & 10 at opp 24(01:58) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #21 S.Glatz caught at NDSU24, for 2 yards to the NDSU22 (#29 D.Givance)
2:001st & 10 at opp 24Timeout Illinois State, clock 02:00
1:413rd & 8 at opp 22(01:50) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #84 L.Mailander caught at NDSU12, for 10 yards to the NDSU12, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN
1:512nd & 10 at own 24Timeout North Dakota State, clock 01:51
1:201st & 10 at opp 12(01:26) Shotgun #21 S.Glatz rush middle for 4 yards gain to the NDSU08 (#52 N.Staehling)
0:502nd & 6 at opp 8(00:54) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at NDSU00, for 8 yards to the NDSU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:50, 1ST DOWN #31 M.Maldonado kick attempt good (H: #41 H.Futch, LS: #49 D.Calabrese)North Dakota State 21, Illinois State 14
North Dakota State Punt, 3 plays
0:421st & 10 at own 35(00:50) #31 M.Maldonado kickoff 65 yards to the NDSU00 #18 J.Williams return 30 yards to the NDSU30 (#25 C.Wilson) PENALTY NDSU Holding declined NDSU Illegal Block in Back (#27 R.Jones) 4 yards from NDSU08 to NDSU04
0:341st & 10 at own 4(00:38) #8 B.Kpeenu rush middle for 2 yards gain to the NDSU06 (#20 C.Richard Jr.; #25 C.Wilson)
0:252nd & 8 at own 6(00:34) #8 B.Kpeenu rush right for 2 yards gain to the NDSU08 (#13 P.Bauer)
0:341st & goal at opp 4Timeout Illinois State, clock 00:34
0:173rd & 6 at own 8(00:21) #9 C.Payton pass incomplete deep left to #5 B.Lance thrown to NDSU37 broken up by #25 C.Wilson
0:232nd & goal at opp 6Timeout Illinois State, clock 00:23
0:074th & 6 at own 8(00:14) #39 A.Bickerton punt 64 yards to the ILS28 #13 E.Kasper return 4 yards to the ILS32, out of bounds at ILS32
Illinois State End of half, 1 play
0:031st & 10 at own 32(00:03) Kneel down by #16 T.Rittenhouse at ILS30 for loss of 2 yards
3rd quarter6 drives, then North Dakota State 21, Illinois State 14
North Dakota State Punt, 3 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35(15:00) #31 M.Maldonado kickoff 63 yards to the NDSU02 fair catch by #3 R.Nelson at NDSU02
14:531st & 10 at own 25(14:59) Shotgun #8 B.Kpeenu rush right for 2 yards loss to the NDSU23 (#56 G.Steffen; #97 J.Anderson)
14:212nd & 12 at own 23(14:21) Shotgun #9 C.Payton rush left for 11 yards gain to the NDSU34, out of bounds at NDSU34 PENALTY NDSU Holding (#62 G.Empey) 10 yards from NDSU23 to NDSU13. NO PLAY
13:552nd & 22 at own 13(14:01) Shotgun #8 B.Kpeenu rush middle for 6 yards gain to the NDSU19 (#46 T.Niekamp)
13:063rd & 16 at own 19(13:17) Shotgun #9 C.Payton sacked for loss of 3 yards to the NDSU16 (#56 G.Steffen). #62 G.Empey injured on the play
12:494th & 19 at own 16(12:56) #39 A.Bickerton punt 49 yards to the ILS35 #13 E.Kasper return 1 yard to the ILS36, out of bounds at ILS36
13:003rd & 16 at own 19Timeout North Dakota State, clock 13:00
Illinois State Interception, 4 plays
12:401st & 10 at own 36(12:49) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #4 D.Lord caught at ILS40, for 8 yards to the ILS44 (#1 D.Woolen)
12:082nd & 2 at own 44(12:14) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 3 yards gain to the ILS47 (#43 L.Kopp; #58 K.Wilson), 1ST DOWN. #65 J.McGarry injured on the play
11:411st & 10 at own 47(11:46) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 5 yards gain to the NDSU48 (#6 J.Crumby)
10:562nd & 5 at opp 48(11:04) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass intercepted by #52 N.Staehling at NDSU45 broken up by #1 D.Woolen #52 N.Staehling return 8 yards to the ILS47 (#78 B.Wallace)
North Dakota State Punt, 3 plays
10:501st & 10 at opp 47(10:56) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass incomplete short middle to #7 D.Scott thrown to NDSU49 broken up by #97 J.Anderson
10:412nd & 10 at opp 47(10:47) Shotgun #7 D.Scott rush right for 5 yards gain to the ILS42 (#10 R.Edwards; #14 M.Kaplan)
9:563rd & 5 at opp 42(10:04) Shotgun #9 C.Payton sacked for loss of 8 yards to the ILS50 (#10 R.Edwards, #13 P.Bauer) PENALTY NDSU UNS: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (#88 C.Williams) 15 yards from ILS50 to NDSU35
9:394th & 28 at own 35(09:44) #39 A.Bickerton punt 25 yards to the ILS40, out of bounds at ILS40
Illinois State Turnover on downs, 15 plays
9:321st & 10 at own 40(09:38) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 7 yards gain to the ILS47 (#2 J.Duffie)
9:394th & 28 at own 35Timeout North Dakota State, clock 09:39
Illinois State Turnover on downs, 15 plays
8:582nd & 3 at own 47(09:03) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 2 yards gain to the ILS49 (#94 L.Larson)
8:213rd & 1 at own 49(08:26) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 3 yards gain to the NDSU48 (#1 D.Woolen), 1ST DOWN
7:481st & 10 at opp 48(07:52) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete deep left to #2 D.Sobkowicz thrown to NDSU27
7:432nd & 10 at opp 48(07:46) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #13 E.Kasper caught at NDSU42, for 6 yards to the NDSU42 (#1 D.Woolen), out of bounds
7:013rd & 4 at opp 42(07:17) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #5 V.Dawson caught at NDSU39, for 3 yards to the NDSU39 (#1 D.Woolen), out of bounds
6:214th & 1 at opp 39(06:32) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #85 J.Charles caught at NDSU36, for 3 yards to the NDSU36 (#58 K.Wilson), 1ST DOWN. #14 T.Eady injured on the play
5:491st & 10 at opp 36(06:01) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #5 V.Dawson caught at NDSU35, for 1 yard to the NDSU35 (#1 D.Woolen)
6:214th & 1 at opp 39Timeout Illinois State, clock 06:21
5:142nd & 9 at opp 35(05:24) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at NDSU28, for 7 yards to the NDSU28, End Of Play
4:383rd & 2 at opp 28(04:44) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 0 yards to the NDSU28 (#43 L.Kopp)
3:554th & 2 at opp 28(04:06) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse rush left for 9 yards gain to the NDSU19 (#0 J.Alexander), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
3:201st & 10 at opp 19(03:25) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #84 L.Mailander caught at NDSU21, for 7 yards to the NDSU12 (#6 J.Crumby), out of bounds
2:502nd & 3 at opp 12(02:56) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 2 yards gain to the NDSU10 (#58 K.Wilson; #98 J.Iuliano)
2:073rd & 1 at opp 10(02:16) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 0 yards to the NDSU10 (#27 R.Jones; #93 T.Anene)
1:354th & 1 at opp 10(01:37) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 1 yard loss to the NDSU11 (#43 L.Kopp), TURNOVER ON DOWNS
North Dakota State Punt, 6 plays
1:301st & 10 at own 11(01:33) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass incomplete short left to #8 B.Kpeenu thrown to NDSU18 QB hurried by #56 G.Steffen
1:232nd & 10 at own 11(01:29) Shotgun #8 B.Kpeenu rush right for 5 yards gain to the NDSU16 (#8 C.Lorenzo; #10 R.Edwards)
0:323rd & 5 at own 16(00:47) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass complete short middle to #88 C.Williams caught at NDSU28, for 22 yards to the NDSU38 (#14 M.Kaplan), 1ST DOWN
0:121st & 10 at own 38(00:16) No Huddle-Shotgun #8 B.Kpeenu rush middle for 6 yards gain to the NDSU44 (#14 M.Kaplan)
0:022nd & 4 at own 44(00:02) No Huddle-Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass incomplete deep right to #5 B.Lance thrown to ILS15
Q4 14:513rd & 4 at own 44(14:59) Shotgun #9 C.Payton rush left for 3 yards gain to the NDSU47 (#14 M.Kaplan; #4 L.Brown)
Q4 14:154th & 1 at own 47(14:21) #39 A.Bickerton punt 45 yards to the ILS08 fair catch by #13 E.Kasper at ILS08
4th quarter13 drives, then Illinois State 29, North Dakota State 28
Illinois State Defensive TD, 3 plays (North Dakota State scores)
14:091st & 10 at own 8(14:14) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse rush right for 4 yards gain to the ILS12 (#43 L.Kopp), out of bounds
13:352nd & 6 at own 12(13:48) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #4 D.Lord caught at ILS08, for 1 yard to the ILS13 (#1 D.Woolen)
13:073rd & 5 at own 13(13:07) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #4 D.Lord caught at ILS17, for 13 yards to the ILS26 (#1 D.Woolen), out of bounds PENALTY ILS Pass Interference (#2 D.Sobkowicz) 6 yards from ILS13 to ILS07. NO PLAY
12:423rd & 11 at own 7(12:51) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass intercepted by #24 A.Chideme-Alfaro at ILS25 #24 A.Chideme-Alfaro return 21 yards to the ILS04 (#66 B.Jellison)
North Dakota State Result not recorded, 1 play
12:381st & goal at opp 4(12:40) Shotgun #8 B.Kpeenu rush middle for 4 yards gain to the ILS00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 12:38 #38 E.Ozick kick attempt good (H: #39 A.Bickerton, LS: #48 C.Bowers)North Dakota State 28, Illinois State 14
12:381st & 10 at own 35(12:38) #38 E.Ozick kickoff 65 yards to the ILS00, Touchback
12:38Timeout North Dakota State, clock 12:38
Illinois State Punt, 3 plays
12:281st & 10 at own 25(12:36) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse rush right for 3 yards gain to the ILS28, End Of Play
12:002nd & 7 at own 28(12:04) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short right to #13 E.Kasper thrown to ILS38
11:553rd & 7 at own 28(11:59) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short right to #2 D.Sobkowicz thrown to ILS34 PENALTY ILS Holding declined
11:454th & 7 at own 28(11:54) #41 H.Futch punt 47 yards to the NDSU25 #18 J.Williams return 1 yard to the NDSU26 (#24 D.Dubose) PENALTY NDSU Illegal Block in Back (#14 T.Eady) 10 yards from NDSU26 to NDSU16. #24 D.Dubose injured on the play
North Dakota State Punt, 3 plays
11:391st & 10 at own 16(11:44) #8 B.Kpeenu rush left for 2 yards gain to the NDSU18 (#1 S.Nkuba II; #4 L.Brown), out of bounds
11:454th & 7 at own 28Timeout Illinois State, clock 11:45
North Dakota State Punt, 3 plays
11:052nd & 8 at own 18(11:11) #8 B.Kpeenu rush left for 1 yard loss to the NDSU17 (#14 M.Kaplan; #56 G.Steffen)
10:243rd & 9 at own 17(10:28) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass incomplete deep right to #18 J.Williams thrown to NDSU37
10:184th & 9 at own 17(10:22) #39 A.Bickerton punt 43 yards to the ILS40 fair catch by #13 E.Kasper at ILS40
Illinois State Turnover on downs, 10 plays
10:111st & 10 at own 40(10:16) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse rush right for 0 yards to the ILS40 (#54 A.Wayne), out of bounds PENALTY NDSU Personal Foul (#54 A.Wayne) 15 yards from ILS40 to NDSU45, 1ST DOWN
9:491st & 10 at opp 45(09:59) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #4 D.Lord caught at NDSU41, for 4 yards to the NDSU41 (#1 D.Woolen)
9:372nd & 6 at opp 41(09:42) No Huddle-Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 3 yards gain to the NDSU38 (#95 Z.Vanderpool)
9:253rd & 3 at opp 38(09:28) No Huddle-Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 3 yards gain to the NDSU35 (#43 L.Kopp), 1ST DOWN
9:021st & 10 at opp 35(09:04) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short right to #2 D.Sobkowicz thrown to NDSU27
8:472nd & 10 at opp 35(09:00) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #11 S.Presson Jr. caught at NDSU16, for 25 yards to the NDSU10 (#0 J.Alexander), 1ST DOWN
8:341st & goal at opp 10(08:40) No Huddle-Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 1 yard loss to the NDSU11 (#29 D.Givance; #98 J.Iuliano)
7:562nd & goal at opp 11(08:05) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #11 S.Presson Jr. caught at NDSU12, for 4 yards to the NDSU07 (#43 L.Kopp)
7:213rd & goal at opp 7(07:23) PENALTY ILS False Start (#2 D.Sobkowicz) 5 yards from NDSU07 to NDSU12. NO PLAY
6:513rd & goal at opp 12(07:02) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #4 D.Lord caught at NDSU07, for 8 yards to the NDSU04 (#29 D.Givance)
6:144th & goal at opp 4(06:18) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse sacked for loss of 6 yards to the NDSU10 (#93 T.Anene), TURNOVER ON DOWNS
North Dakota State Punt, 3 plays
6:071st & 10 at own 10(06:13) #7 D.Scott rush middle for 3 yards gain to the NDSU13 (#97 J.Anderson)
6:144th & goal at opp 4Timeout Illinois State, clock 06:14
North Dakota State Punt, 3 plays
5:302nd & 7 at own 13(05:35) #9 C.Payton pass incomplete short left to #5 B.Lance thrown to NDSU28 broken up by #25 C.Wilson
5:133rd & 7 at own 13(05:29) Shotgun #9 C.Payton pass complete short left to #4 O.Johnson caught at NDSU07, for 4 yards loss to the NDSU09 (#13 P.Bauer; #14 M.Kaplan)
4:354th & 11 at own 9(04:46) #39 A.Bickerton punt 53 yards to the ILS38 #13 E.Kasper return 21 yards to the NDSU41, out of bounds at NDSU41
Illinois State Touchdown, 7 plays
4:311st & 10 at opp 41(04:34) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short middle to #13 E.Kasper thrown to NDSU39 broken up by #93 T.Anene
4:172nd & 10 at opp 41(04:30) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #5 V.Dawson caught at NDSU35, for 15 yards to the NDSU26 (#24 A.Chideme-Alfaro), 1ST DOWN
3:521st & 10 at opp 26(04:01) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at NDSU21, for 9 yards to the NDSU17 (#24 A.Chideme-Alfaro; #43 L.Kopp)
3:362nd & 1 at opp 17(03:41) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short right to #84 L.Mailander thrown to NDSU08
3:233rd & 1 at opp 17(03:34) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short middle to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at NDSU11, for 8 yards to the NDSU09, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN
2:561st & goal at opp 9(03:10) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short right to #21 S.Glatz caught at NDSU08, for 1 yard to the NDSU08 (#43 L.Kopp)
2:442nd & goal at opp 8(02:48) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at NDSU00, for 8 yards to the NDSU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 02:44 #31 M.Maldonado kick attempt good (H: #41 H.Futch, LS: #49 D.Calabrese)North Dakota State 28, Illinois State 21
North Dakota State Fumble, 3 plays
2:441st & 10 at own 35(02:44) #31 M.Maldonado kickoff 65 yards to the NDSU00, Touchback
2:391st & 10 at own 25(02:43) Shotgun #8 B.Kpeenu rush middle for 1 yard gain to the NDSU26 (#97 J.Anderson)
2:302nd & 9 at own 26(02:37) #8 B.Kpeenu rush middle for 5 yards gain to the NDSU31 (#4 L.Brown)
2:391st & 10 at opp 25Timeout Illinois State, clock 02:39
1:513rd & 4 at own 31(01:59) Shotgun #9 C.Payton sacked for loss of 8 yards to the NDSU23 (#97 J.Anderson), fumble by #9 C.Payton recovered by ILS #97 J.Anderson at NDSU23, End Of Play
2:002nd & 9 at own 26Timeout North Dakota State, clock 02:00
Illinois State Touchdown, 6 plays
1:491st & 10 at opp 23(01:51) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short left to #5 V.Dawson thrown to NDSU21 QB hurried by #93 T.Anene
1:432nd & 10 at opp 23(01:48) Shotgun #5 V.Dawson rush middle for 13 yards gain to the NDSU10 (#1 D.Woolen), 1ST DOWN
1:401st & goal at opp 10(01:43) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short left to #2 D.Sobkowicz thrown to NDSU00
1:282nd & goal at opp 10(01:38) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at NDSU06, for 4 yards to the NDSU06 (#0 J.Alexander)
1:083rd & goal at opp 6(01:13) No Huddle-Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass incomplete short right to #5 V.Dawson thrown to NDSU06 QB hurried by #92 K.McCaslin
1:004th & goal at opp 6(01:07) Shotgun #16 T.Rittenhouse pass complete short left to #2 D.Sobkowicz caught at NDSU00, for 6 yards to the NDSU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 01:00, 1ST DOWN #11 S.Presson Jr. pass attempt SuccessfulIllinois State 29, North Dakota State 28
North Dakota State Turnover on downs, 8 plays
0:531st & 10 at own 35(01:00) #31 M.Maldonado kickoff 64 yards to the NDSU01 #3 R.Nelson return 21 yards to the NDSU22 (#38 B.Cooper; #48 N.Kraus)
0:501st & 10 at own 22(00:53) Shotgun #12 N.Hayes pass incomplete short right to #5 B.Lance thrown to NDSU32
0:412nd & 10 at own 22(00:48) Shotgun #12 N.Hayes pass complete short left to #18 J.Williams caught at NDSU31, for 9 yards to the NDSU31, End Of Play
0:373rd & 1 at own 31(00:40) Shotgun #12 N.Hayes pass incomplete short middle to #3 R.Nelson thrown to NDSU40 broken up by #25 C.Wilson
0:412nd & 10 at own 22Timeout North Dakota State, clock 00:41
0:314th & 1 at own 31(00:35) Shotgun #12 N.Hayes pass complete short right to #3 R.Nelson caught at NDSU41, for 10 yards to the NDSU41 (#24 D.Dubose), 1ST DOWN
0:251st & 10 at own 41(00:25) No Huddle-Shotgun #12 N.Hayes pass incomplete deep middle to #88 C.Williams thrown to ILS22
0:202nd & 10 at own 41(00:24) Shotgun #12 N.Hayes pass incomplete short right to #15 M.Collins thrown to ILS48 QB hurried by #13 P.Bauer
0:133rd & 10 at own 41(00:19) Shotgun #12 N.Hayes rush right for 3 yards gain to the NDSU44, out of bounds at NDSU44
0:202nd & 10 at opp 41Timeout Illinois State, clock 00:20
0:074th & 7 at own 44(00:12) Shotgun #12 N.Hayes pass incomplete deep left to #3 R.Nelson thrown to ILS27, TURNOVER ON DOWNS
Illinois State End of game, 1 play
0:051st & 10 at opp 44(00:05) Kneel down by #16 T.Rittenhouse at NDSU48 for loss of 4 yards

Play-by-play from CollegeFootballData.com, as its scorers wrote it. The clock is the time left in the quarter; the spot is from the side of the team with the ball.

North Dakota State leads 16–⁠3 in 19 meetings.

Recent meetings
2025Illinois State 29, North Dakota State 28FCS Championship – Second Round
2025North Dakota State 33, Illinois State 16
2024North Dakota State 42, Illinois State 10
2022North Dakota State 24, Illinois State 7
2021North Dakota State 20, Illinois State 0
2020North Dakota State 21, Illinois State 13

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