North Dakota State Secures Victory Over Illinois State in Hard-Fought Contest
FARGO, ND – North Dakota State (NDSU) defeated Illinois State in a closely contested football game on October 4, 2025, marked by a pivotal turnover on downs in the fourth quarter.The Bison defense stifled a late Illinois State drive, solidifying their position in the Missouri Valley Football Conference standings. This game carries significant weight as both teams vie for playoff positioning within the competitive landscape of FCS football.
The contest unfolded as a back-and-forth affair,culminating in a critical fourth-down attempt by Illinois State at the NDSU 19-yard line. A Tommy Rittenhouse pass intended for Scotty Presson Jr. fell incomplete under pressure from Kelton McCaslin,resulting in a turnover on downs and effectively ending Illinois State’s chances of a late rally. The drive had advanced to the NDSU19 with contributions from Nathaniel Staehling and Toby Anene.
Late in the fourth quarter, facing 4th and 1 at their own 19-yard line, Rittenhouse attempted a shotgun pass short left to Presson Jr., but the play was broken up with McCaslin applying pressure, leading to the game-deciding turnover.
