This weekend, No. 12 Southern Illinois will host No. 9 North Dakota in a highly anticipated ranked FCS matchup that could significantly impact both teams’ playoff aspirations. The game is set to kick off at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 18, at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Both teams enter the matchup with identical 4-2 records, aiming to enhance their playoff resumes with a key victory. Southern Illinois boasts a 3-1 record against FCS opponents, with its only loss coming against North Dakota State. The Salukis, who held a No. 8 national ranking before a tough 45-17 loss to NDSU, are looking to bounce back and secure their first ranked win of the season. Quarterback DJ Williams has been instrumental to their success, completing 64.4% of his passes for 1,404 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions, along with leading the team in rushing with 427 yards and 10 scores. His primary target, Vinson Davis III, has made a significant impact with 31 catches for 547 yards and three touchdowns.
On the other side, North Dakota comes off a strong performance against Youngstown State, marking their first ranked victory and further solidifying their playoff chances. The Fighting Hawks have improved significantly on defense this year, allowing only 18.8 points per game, good for No. 14 in the FCS. Their defense has shown particular strength against the run, giving up just 95.5 rushing yards per game. Key defensive players like Malachi McNeal and Lance Rucker have made notable contributions, bolstering an already formidable unit.
Offensively, the Fighting Hawks have been prolific, scoring an average of 39.3 points per game. Their balanced attack features a potent ground game led by Sawyer Seidl and Gaven Ziebarth, while sophomore quarterback Jerry Kaminski has impressed in his starting role, throwing for 1,217 yards with an impressive 17 touchdowns to just one interception.
For Southern Illinois, improvements on the defensive side will be essential. The Salukis have struggled to contain opponents, allowing an average of 25 points per game and over 200 yards both rushing and passing in their recent contests. This weekend’s matchup will test their ability to tighten up defensively against a well-rounded North Dakota squad.
With both teams vying for a crucial win to enhance their playoff positioning, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Prediction: North Dakota 35, Southern Illinois 28.