There’s no easing into the season for South Dakota State and Northern Iowa. The two squads are both preseason top 5 FCS squads and will get a big measuring stick matchup after more than a year between seasons.
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SDSU was as high as -3.5 early in the week............many shops now down to a mere -2Comment -
For those who don’t know, when it comes to college football, the Missouri Valley Football Conference is like the SEC of the FCS. The conference is, of course, home to the North Dakota State Bisons, who have won the FCS Championship an unfathomable eight times in the last nine seasons.
But South Dakota State and Northern Iowa are both hoping to put an end to that reign. The Jackrabbits are coming off an 8-5 season and have made the FCS playoffs in eight straight seasons. They are also the only team to beat NDSU more than once since their title domination run in 2011.
Northern Iowa, on the other hand, went 10-5 last season, which included a near-upset of FBS Iowa State, and has finished ranked in the Top-10 in three of the last six seasons. They are looking to make a big leap this year.
With Trey Lance leaving NDSU to get ready for the NFL, the Panthers have arguably the best quarterback in the MVFC in Will McElvain, and he’ll be throwing the ball to the MVFC’s best wideout in Isaiah Weston.
Meanwhile, the Jackrabbits’ offense is led by a “Strong” running game. Sorry. Bad pun. Pierre Strong Jr. has rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons at South Dakota State and has a ridiculous 8.2 yards per carry.
So, this game will come down to which defense will step up the best, and both are excellent. But UNI stops the run better than anyone in the MVFC, allowing just 2.8 yards per attempt and they have studs at every level.
South Dakota State may be the slightly better team overall, but their offense plays into the best part of the Northern Iowa defense. Plus, the Panthers have one of the best kickers in the FCS and are getting points at home. In a close game, that will matter.Comment -
MVC should go FBSComment -
TV??Comment -
CRIS down to -1.5Comment -
Who you playing Fish?Comment -
Great info Fish! Thanks!Comment -
Tell us about the cradle of coaches and QB's, EASTERN ILLINOISComment -
I thought you hated College Basketball Fisscuk???Comment
