Illinois State at Northern Illinois

Saturday, September 26, 1981 Share

Northern Illinois beat Illinois State 40–⁠7. It was their 10th meeting; after it, Northern Illinois led the series 6–⁠4.

AwayIllinois State3–⁠7 in 1981

HomeNorthern Illinois3–⁠8 in 1981

FinalHigh 74°F, low 60°F, 1.07 in. of rainAttendance 15,387

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Northern Illinois 68% to win. Elo’s favorite won.

Northern Illinois leads 10–⁠5 in 15 meetings, counting the five since this game.

Recent meetings
2026	Illinois State 28, Northern Illinois 24
2019	Northern Illinois 24, Illinois State 10
2000	Northern Illinois 52, Illinois State 0
1992	Northern Illinois 26, Illinois State 19
1991	Northern Illinois 27, Illinois State 24
1981	Northern Illinois 40, Illinois State 7