Week 12 MVC Game Breakdowns
Well, what were we saying about Youngstown State having a difficult time against Northern Iowa? It turns out Youngstown State may have been slightly guilty of looking ahead as Northern Iowa salvaged a disappointing season with a 22-20 victory. This does not mean Saturday’s big showdown is any less sparkling. Let’s take a look at this game and others on the week’s schedule:
#1 North Dakota State at #10 Youngstown State, Saturday, 1:00
This is the big game of the day despite Youngstown State’s stumble in last week’s game. Youngstown State holds a 4-3 lead in the series, which began in 1972. Six of the seven games in the series have been decided by eight points or less, and every indication is this one will also come down to the wire. North Dakota State would win the MVFC for a third straight year if the Bison win this game. If Youngstown State wins, both teams are 6-1 with one game remaining. If the teams end up in a two-way tie, Youngstown State and North Dakota State would be co-champs but YSU would get the NCAA automatic bid. The Bison should win this game by a very slim margin, but Youngstown State should still be on a playoff run.
Projected Score: North Dakota State 24, Youngstown State 23
Western Illinois at Indiana State, Saturday, 1:00
Indiana State has won three of the last four meetings with Western Illinois, but the Sycamores still trail 21-15 in the all-time series. Last year Indiana State won 23-7 in Macomb behind RB Shakir Bell’s 123 yards and one touchdown. Both teams are in the tank this year, but Western Illinois should have enough left for a fourth victory.
Projected Score: Western Illinois 27, Indiana State 10
Northern Iowa at Missouri State, Saturday, 2:00
Several people at NBC Sports Network are cursing Northern Iowa right about now for ruining what appeared to be a dream matchup between North Dakota State and Youngstown State. The reality is Northern Iowa is a much better team than its 5-5 overall record indicates. Missouri State hasn’t beaten Northern Iowa since 2005 and Northern Iowa won the last meeting in Springfield by a 42-7 margin. It won’t be this lopsided, but Northern Iowa should improve to 6-5.
Projected Score: Northern Iowa 24, Missouri State 17
#15 South Dakota State at South Dakota, Saturday, 2:00
The battle of South Dakota began in 1889, and the Jackrabbits won last year 31-8 in a game played at Brookings. South Dakota State held the Coyotes to 22 yards rushing and RB Zach Zenner had 164 yards and one touchdown. WR Jason Schneider moved into 10th place for single-season receptions (59) and yards (838), giving South Dakota State something to cheer about. This game should go to SDSU.
Projected Score: South Dakota State 37, South Dakota 14
Illinois State at Southern Illinois, Saturday, 3:00
Bloomington/Normal vs. Carbondale for bragging rights in central and southern Illinois are on the line here. Southern Illinois has a 39-33-3 lead in the all-time series, which began in 1929. Illinois State won 38-30 in the last meeting at Carbondale, but the Salukis returned the favor with a 17-0 shutout last year in Normal. Both teams are looking for their sixth win of the season, and if Illinois State does it the Redbirds would have five straight winning seasons for the first time since the 1940s. Look for SIU WR John Lantz to move up the receiving ladder; with eight more yards he can tie Brent Little (2005), who had 781 yards last season.
Projected Score: Illinois State 30, Southern Illinois 24
