Week 7 Missouri Valley Football Conference Game Breakdowns
#8 Youngstown State @ #16 Illinois State, Saturday, 2:00
Youngstown State will look to get back on track after being derailed last weekend in the Fargodome. However, Illinois State will be looking to do the same after being shutout in their homecoming game. The key to this game will be who can control the ball and effectively put points up on the board. Another key point to make will be how Youngstown State RB Darrelynn Dunn comes back after sitting out a week from injury. I expect Youngstown State to get back to winning ways and the Redbird struggles to continue.
Projected Score: Youngstown State 24, Illinois State 14
South Dakota @ Missouri State, Saturday, 2:00
One of these teams will be getting their first conference win of the year. Both of these teams have talent but have struggled to play consistently throughout the season so far. Missouri State had success at Indiana State when back-up quarterback Kierra Harris came into the game. It will be interesting to see if the Bears go with Harris over Missouri transfer Ashton Glaser this week. South Dakota will likely continue to figure out how to play better defensively—if they can figure out that aspect of the game they could easily find themselves winning a couple more games this year. I give the edge to the home team and the Bears finally get a victory.
Projected Score: Missouri State 17, South Dakota 16
Northern Iowa @ Southern Illinois, Saturday, 3:00
Northern Iowa comes off of their BYE week to prove themselves worthy of a top 25 ranking and—despite most likely being left out—a playoff caliber team. Southern Illinois on the other hand will try to prove that they have turned the corner in Carbondale as they are coming off a big win against highly ranked Illinois State. Southern Illinois will need to play perfect again this week in order to get a win here, however, I think that the Panthers will take care of business.
Projected Score: Northern Iowa 31, Southern Illinois 14
Indiana State @ #1 North Dakota State, Saturday 4:00
Indiana State bounced back in the second half against Missouri State and found themselves getting their fourth win of the season. This week will prove to be much more difficult for the Sycamores. North Dakota State is coming off a huge blasting of Youngstown State. The Sycamores will have to play near perfect to pull off an upset in Fargo.
Projected Score: North Dakota State 45, Indiana State 10
Western Illinois @ South Dakota State
Western Illinois made a QB change last week against South Dakota as they started fifth-year senior Wil Lunt against the Coyotes. The result was a whole new Leatherneck team. Western Illinois was effective on offense and defense as they took the Coyotes down on Dakota Day. This weekend Western Illinois will travel back to South Dakota to face South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits are coming off a bye and will likely try to establish a more balanced and efficient offense (passing) that we have seen the past few weeks. Austin Sumner has shown progress, but it has been slow. We’ll see how the off week helped come Saturday. I think the Jackrabbits have the better defense and better playmakers; therefore, I predict South Dakota State will come out on top.
Projected Score: South Dakota State 24, Western Illinois 13
See All FCS Games of the Week Breakdowns
